News

Flight Centre schools triathlon raises £320,000 for charity

A schools triathlon sponsored by Flight Centre raised £320,000 for charity.

A series of four events raised funds for international development charity Restless Development which supports young people.

The initiative encourages children aged 7-13 to participate in triathlons in a safe and non-competitive environment while raising money for charity.

Events were hosted at Bradfield School, Berkshire; Royal Russell school, Croydon; Cranleigh School, Surrey and Marlborough College, Wiltshire.

Flight Centre agents were on hand to cheer on participants.

As well as sponsoring the event for the third year, the agency also offered participants the chance to win a 12-night family holiday to California for a family of four.

Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies supported the event and handed out medals at Marlborough College.

More than 7,000 children have taken part since the triathlon launched in 2016 and raised nearly £720,000 for Restless Development.

Flight Centre Europe and South Africa managing director Chris Galanty said: “It’s a privilege to be the lead sponsor of an event that encourages young people to both get active and think about the needs of others.

“Flight Centre and Restless Development are a natural fit; Restless Development is all about young people trying to change the world and our purpose is to open up the world for those who want to see it.”

Jim Sewell, Trustee of Restless Development, added: “The Flight Centre Schools Triathlon has gone from strength to strength each year and it is brilliant to see the enthusiasm from the children, parents and schools alike.

“Their efforts will help thousands of young people around the world who are transforming their communities through better access to health, education and life skills.

“The children taking part really understand that they can make a difference and the combination of sport and charity in a children’s event has been incredibly powerful.

“I’m so excited about the potential for this event – we see it becoming the schools’ equivalent of the London Marathon.”

Share article

View Comments

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.