In celebration of its 70th anniversary, special educational needs and disabilities school, the Sheiling Ringwood, has launched a 2021 Summer Challenge in which participants must walk, run, cycle or swim 70 miles.
Initially established in 1951 as the Sheiling School, the Sheiling Ringwood is today a special educational needs and disabilities school and college, offering day and residential provision. This year the school - based on the Hampshire and Dorset border - therefore marks its 70th anniversary.
Although social restrictions because of the Covid-19 pandemic have forced the school to cancel its popular Summer Festival, the institution has instead decided to launch its 70th Anniversary Summer Challenge fundraiser, inviting participants to walk, run, cycle or swim 70 miles this summer.
Discussing the school’s decision to hold the challenge, principal Corine van Barneveld said: “The past year and restrictions faced as the result of the pandemic have been challenging and, in continuing to respect restrictions and in consideration of the significant efforts of everyone on our campus and the wider community, we have taken the decision to cancel our popular Summer Festival for 2021.
“We are hopeful that the festival can return in 2022 and be bigger and better than ever. But, finding ourselves unable to celebrate in this usual style or with any large gatherings, we have instead launched an exciting 70th Anniversary Summer Challenge to unite us in celebration and shared experience, albeit in a different way.
“We would love everyone to join in our Summer Challenge. It will be a celebration of 70 years but also a lovely way of everyone with a connection to the Sheiling coming together and sharing a journey.”
Corine explained that the motivation behind a “70-mile” challenge came from the Sheiling’s love of the great outdoors and its approach of encouraging its students to connect with nature to help fuel positive mental health and wellbeing.
“Challenging ourselves to be physically fit whilst caring for our mental health and wellbeing is always close to us but never more so than during these unprecedented times. The ultimate aim is for everyone to get involved in whatever way they can but, most importantly, to simply enjoy taking part.”
Any individuals who wish to donate toward the fundraising efforts of the Sheiling Ringwood’s 70th Anniversary Summer Challenge can do so here.
