Sporty fundraisers step up for Diamond Challenge
More than 200 Novus and LTE group colleagues from across the UK are teaming up to take on the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Diamond Challenge, proceeds of which will help to put two million more young people through the DofE program.
It comes just months after Novus was officially recognised as a National Operating Authority for the DofE in an event at St James’s Palace. Many young Novus learners are now in the final stages of achieving their Bronze awards.
The Diamond Challenge will see teams of 10 from all over the UK walk, run, swim, row or cycle 966 miles – almost 97 miles per person – to raise vital funds which will further enable the charity to reach out to disadvantaged and vulnerable young people. If successfully completed by March 31st, participants are awarded a Diamond Pin.
James Thomas, who is coordinating Novus’ involvement along with the organisation’s DofE lead, Louise Higginbotham, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have got so many people involved to support a very worthy cause. Our Senior Leadership Team has been passionate about the challenge from day one, and is pleased to see that enthusiasm replicated across our teams.
We are now one month in to the challenge and several colleagues have already completed their 96.6 miles!
The challenge is part of the charity’s celebration of its Diamond Anniversary, having helped to transform the lives of millions of young people worldwide since 1956. The DofE wants more than two million youngsters to benefit from its program by 2020.
Novus works with the DofE to give young people in custody the chance to grow as young adults, gaining valuable life experience while developing essential employability skills. Setting their own challenges and learning practical skills gives them the opportunity to prepare for employment.
