Article
Local Juniors Get Set for the Abbey Dash
Published: Wed 06 Nov 2013 at 17:19
Updated: Wed 06 Nov 2013 at 17:51
- Rugby stars and Jet2holidays surprise youngsters with free race places
School children at Ackworth Howard Junior School in Pontefract received a surprise visit today from local rugby stars Ian Hardman and Andy Ellis of the Featherstone Rovers, who delivered a special prize to the sporty pupils on behalf of Jet2holidays.
The rugby pros gave ten budding runners at the school free places for the Age UK Junior Dash, which is sponsored by the package holiday specialist. Due to take place in Leeds on Sunday 17th November, the race is aimed at 8-15 year olds and raises funds to help vulnerable older people survive the cold winter months.
As professional athletes and keen runners themselves, Ian and Andy joined Age UK ambassador, Alex Boyle, to present the youngsters with their tickets and to give some last minute training tips and advice ahead of the 2km run.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said: “Both the Junior Dash and its big brother, the 10k Abbey Dash, are firm favourites in the Yorkshire race calendar. As a local company it is something we are always keen to support, helping to raise vital funds for a very worthy cause.
“We also recognise that there are a lot of youngsters out there who are budding runners, hence giving this group of local school children the chance to run in the Junior Dash race for free – it is a fantastic opportunity for them to take part in an iconic event and improve their running skills and we wish them the very best of luck.”
As part of the sponsorship Jet2holidays has teamed up with the Lanzarote Tourist Board to give the highest fundraiser a free holiday to the Canary Island favourite. If you would like to donate please visit http://www.ageuk.org.uk or call 0800 169 87 87.
