The challenge started early Sunday morning - would the teams make it out of their beds to commence this gruelling day of physical activities? Unfortunately, only 5 teams made it past this first hurdle;
The Five Alls from Chepstow
The Llanwern Loonies from Llanwern Village
Tom's Terrors from Newport and Cwmbran
The Aberbargoed Ard Men from Aberbargoed
Tom's Talentless Tigers from Newport
However, those who did make it, made an excellent day of endurance and team exercises.
The day began with orienteering - all teams had to negotiate their way around the stunning Sirhowy Valley collecting points for each successful marker that they identified from their maps. Upon completion of this section of the day, the teams again headed out on the challenge section. Again, making their way around the valley to challenge points. There were 6 stations positioned throughout the valley where the teams worked tirelessly to complete the given tasks.
Station 1 - Abseiling
Only three teams completed this challenge - The Five Alls, The Llanwern Loonies and Tom's Talentless Tigers.
Station 2 - A test of balance and skill
Joined together at the ankle the pairs had to dribble a ball around a short course and kick the ball through a very small target goal to complete this task. All teams completed this task apart from the Aberbargoed Ard Men.
Station 3 - A test of strength and team work
Two long natural poles and a huge barrel of water greeted the teams at this station. The task was to lift the barrel from the ground without touching it, transport it down a hill, under a hurdle, around the marker and return to the starting position going over the hurdle on the return journey. All teams completed this challenge - WELL DONE!
Station 4 - A test of leadership, trust and speed
This challenge involved all but one of the team members being blindfolded. The team leader shouted directions to strategically placed golf balls on the ground. The blindfolded team member was then verbally guided to the area where the balls needed to be deposited. Six balls in total needed to be collected with the stop watch timing each teams effort. Only one team failed to complete this task - The Llanwern Loonies.
Station 5 - A test of initiative and team work
The teams were invited to make a stretcher from items around them on the ground and carry one of the members a given distance. Well done to The Five Alls, The Aberbargoed Ard Men and Toms Terrors who were the only teams to complete this task.
Station 6 - The final team effort
A tube needed to be held from the ground and filled with water to make the ball inside float. The idea was to be able to get the ball out of the tube. Unfortunately, only one team managed to complete this task, so WELL DONE to the Five Alls.
FINAL RESULT
First place The Five Alls
Second place The Llanwern Loonies
Third place Tom's Terrors
Fourth place Tom's Talentless Tigers
Fifth place The Aberbargoed Ard Men
Upon completion of the challenge all teams enjoyed a BBQ that was cooked by Mr Richard Phillips and Mr Norman Phillips. Thanks to Andy for helping to set up the BBQ and to Pat for supplying the provisions.
First and second place teams were presented with prizes donated by Brynglas Art Club, West Midlands Safari Park and Chessington World of Adventure by Ms J. Phillips, Toms mum.
A special gift of appreciation was also presented to Mr George Tucker and Clive Jones from Ynys Hywel who so brilliantly organised the whole day along with their rangers who all gave up their own time to ensure we enjoyed a successful day.
A HUGE THANK YOU to all that helped.
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