Explorer scouts complete triathlon to raise cash for Malawi trip (From Salisbury Journal)

Explorer scouts complete triathlon to raise cash for Malawi trip

6:00pm Friday 5th October 2012 in News

AN ENERGETIC team of Ringwood teenagers completed a triathlon of events to raise money for a trip to Africa.

1st Poulner Explorer Scouts Thomas Hasted, Matthew Rollett, Ross Stevens and Jamie Binks finished a 400m swim, 18km cycle section and a 4.5km run in an hour and 40 minutes at the event at David Lloyd Leisure Centre in Ringwood on Sunday.

The boys have raised £200 towards the cultural exchange to Malawi.

Some 16 Explorer Scouts, six leaders and two trainees have already raised £3,000 towards the cost of the £16,000 cultural exchange, to build a Scout camp and bunkhouse and to plaster a school building and build 200 desks in the Nkhata Bay District.

Group Scout leader Colin Andrews said: “We have a partnership with the Scouts in Malawi. We want to build a Scout camp and bunkhouse for the Scouts, and help the school and its children.

“We have already built about 1,000 desks for the children in the school and have just 200 more to build to reach our target. There is much plastering work to be done at the school.

“This group project has had strong and continuous support from parents and leaders alike. The Explorer Scouts will never quite see life in the same way after this trip.”

Mr Andrews added: “I am delighted with the results from our triathlon team. I am very proud and pleased that we have such a dedicated team.”

Each Explorer needs to raise about £1,500 for the trip. If anyone can help with sponsorship, they can go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/giving and search for 1st Poulner in the charities section.