WPNSA Academy's 'Blow Boat' Challenge for BBC Children in Need

by Katie Doerr on 20 Nov 2010 The (WPNSA) Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy welcomed local school children through its doors today, 19th November, in support of BBC Children in Need. This is the third consecutive year the Academy has held a fundraising event for the much loved and appreciated UK charity.

The Dolphin Class from Underhill Junior School took part in a ‘blow boat’ challenge. For this year’s challenge the children worked in pairs to build their own model boats from the kits provided. Each team then raced off against each other down the ‘blow boat’ course in the event hall of the world class sailing venue.

'There was a real excitement at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy today, we really enjoyed the ‘blow boat’ challenge.' said one pupil from the Dolphin Class at Underhill Junior School.

John Tweed, Chief Executive at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, explains why the venue is involved with fundraising efforts; 'We are delighted to have supported BBC Children in Need for the third year in a row. The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy works closely with the Chesil Trust which has a ‘Sail for £5’ programme in place which has enabled over 6,000 local children to try sailing for £5. In addition to this it is great to be able to extend our support of the development of children nationwide and supporting BBC Children in Need enables us to do this.'

Last year’s 2009 BBC Children in Need appeal raised a record breaking £39 million which is already starting to make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people.