Great Baddow High School (pictured here with paralympic Boccia player Dan Bentley) is one of three local schools to support The J’s by taking in the Gold Challenge.

Dan Bentley was pleased to visit the school and encourage young people in their endeavour to take on the 2012 challenge where groups or individuals cover an aggregate of either 2012km, 201.2km or 20.12km via a selection of Olympic or Paralympic sports.  The Gold Challenge is a unique challenge that has been launched in partnership with the British Olympic Association, Paralympics GB and Sport England. Rewards for schools taking part include a chance to visit the Olympic Stadium in April to participate in a parade and races ahead of the 2012 Olympics!

Dan Bentley has been playing Boccia since the age of 16 and joined the England team in 2004. He is currently ranked 3rd in the world and is individually ranked number 15. Dan won a gold medal in Beijing as part of the team and has already been selected for London 2012 Paralympic Games in the Men's Boccia singles. He is also a talented graphics designer. You can visit Dan’s website here http://www.bentleysboccia.com/ 

Chelmer Valley High School and Notley High School have also joined the Gold Challenge and will be encouraging pupils to take on the 2012 challenge and raise much needed funds for The J’s. We would like to thank all the schools for taking part and wish them the best of luck!

If you would like to know more about the Gold Challenge, which can be taken on by individuals, companies, schools and groups please visit http://www.goldchallenge.org/ and don’t forget to choose The J’s Hospice as your charity!