The Bath Rugby Foundation has teamed up with Leadership Challenges for a ground-breaking initiative which will see 10 youngsters take on the journey of a lifetime.
The Andes Challenge programme is designed to create opportunities for young people who have had the toughest start in life, and will blend BRF’s award-winning HITZ Programme with Leadership Challenges’ Young Leaders and Mentor Programme.
It will pair 10, 16 – 20-year-olds with 10 business mentors and will run through 2019 before culminating in Chile with a spectacular 600-mile cycle event.
The scheme is designed to grow young leaders in a demanding but fun environment and help build self-esteem, confidence, resilience and courage.
The 20 participants have already been chosen and have started their training to prepare for the demands ahead.
They will take part in weekly training sessions from now until the end of November, when their newly-found skills will be put to the test on the other side of the world.
Bath Rugby Foundation’s CEO, Lynne Fernquest said: “We’re delighted to have teamed up with Leadership Challenges to provide this unique opportunity for the young people we work with.
“The youngsters we work lack the opportunities that others take for granted. Our purpose at Bath Rugby Foundation is to use education and sport to create an environment where all young people thrive, and our partnership with Leadership Challenges provides just that.
“The opportunity to train with and learn from successful business leaders both here in Bath and then in South America provides a unique opportunity and we can’t wait to see the difference it makes to these youngsters’ lives.”
Founder and Chairman of Leadership Challenges, John Hall, said: “The Andes Challenge will change the lives of both the young people involved and the mentors they are paired up with.
“We are now seeking support from individuals and businesses for potential sponsorship and mentors for future challenges and would be delighted to discuss the programme with any interested parties.
“This is a unique opportunity for you to be involved at the start of something new and will no doubt be extremely rewarding for everyone involved.”
For more information about the Andes Challenge, email [email protected].