Andrew Walker of Lakehead, Closeburn and three other Scots (John Houston, Steven Turnbull and Fergus Davidson) on the Arctic Rugby Challenge say they are ‘within striking distance’ of the Pole after making spectacular progress on their trek over the sea ice. They are part of an eleven man squad aiming to reach the Pole and play the northernmost game of rugby in history.
(1) Goggles reflecting the challengers; (2) The Squad
The teams, led by former England internationals Tim Stimpson and Ollie Phillips reported overnight that – after several days of ideal weather, they had faced their toughest day yet yesterday with a significant change to the weather making conditions much more difficult.
Speaking on a satellite phone with the operations team at the children’s charity of rugby Wooden Spoon, Ollie Phillips said:
“We had high winds, we had steep hills to get over, we had ice, we had snow. It was pretty tough all round. I think everyone will be going to bed pretty exhausted to be honest. And slightly relieved that today is over really. It tested the group and everyone came through.”
Tim Stimpson added:
“Today was a massive test. Physically we’re all exhausted and sore. A few guys have got niggles, but I think we will all be fit to carry on. This challenge is a journey, and we look forward to striking out for the Pole tomorrow.”
Temperatures during the first few days of their trek were at minus 20 degree centigrade, but that drops steeply at night to minus 30 or more. During the day, they have battled with a significant additional ‘wind chill’ factor.
The teams, who are sleeping in tents out on the sea ice are consuming around 6,000 calories a day to enable their bodies to fight off the cold and battle on with the demanding trek itself.
At this stage, they are at the Noice Peninsula on Ellef Ringnes Island, an area noted for its severe weather.
The challenge is hoping to raise over £300,000 for Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby supporting disabled and disadvantaged children throughout the UK and Ireland.
Each of the teams learnt vital techniques they need to trek and survive in the harsh conditions and are carrying all their kit, food and supplies in sledges which they haul behind them.
It is expected that they will reach the 1996 position of the Magnetic North Pole by 30th April. Each team is equipped with a tracking device enabling their progress to be tracked online at http://www.arcticrugbychallenge.org/track-the-challengers/
After the teams arrive they will clear an area of ice to make a rugby pitch and play the most northerly rugby match in history. Former England hooker Lee Mears is flying in to meet them and referee the match. If they are successful it will set a new official Guinness World Record.
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You can follow the progress of the challengers on www.arcticrugbychallenge or on Twitter @wsarcticrugby and on Facebook.
You can give them your support by donating at https://mydonate.bt.com/events/arcticrugbychallenge2015 or Text :ARCT01 £2, £5 or £10 to 70070.
