Have you ever wanted to take part in an Olympic or Paralympic Sport? Now is your chance!

Photo: The Xtra Factor’s Konnie Huq helped launch the Gold Challenge along with members of The J’s Hospice including Nick Garner, Barry Linger and Dominic Munroe-McCarthy. Also in the photo is Jack Bowie from DB Construction based in Clavering, and Phil Read from Ayshford Sansome in Wickford. Both businesses are great supporters of The J’s Hospice and are keen to get involved with The Gold Challenge.

What is it?
Have you ever wanted to take part in an Olympic or Paralympic Sport? Now is your chance! This is an opportunity to challenge yourself, raise money for The J’s Hospice and take part in the legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic games in London 2012. You may have taken part in charity cycle rides or treks before but this is a unique new charity challenge in partnership with the British Olympic Association, Paralympics GB and Sport England.

What does it involve?
Take on 3 hours coaching in 5 different sports from 30 Olympic sports and Paralympic sports. From boxing to archery, waterpolo to fencing; is there an Olympic sport you’ve always wanted to try? Now you can do it and raise money for The J’s Hospice. The Gold Challenge gives everyone the chance to be part of the Olympic sporting legacy. You can take part as an individual or as a team and commit to the 5 sports between you. 

When is the deadline?
You can take as long as you want, but you must complete the challenge by the end of 2012 as the Gold Challenge coincides with the Olympics.

How much do I need to raise?
As an individual, we would ask you to pledge a minimum of £100 if you are taking part in 5 sports. As a team, a minimum of £500 if taking part in 5 sports. This rises with the amount of sports you take part in. It is worth noting as well that sports such as equestrian and water polo may be more expensive to take part in than swimming.

How do I find coaching?

The J's Hospice is working alongside Gold Challenge organisers to facilitate coaching sessions right here in Essex!  A three hour coaching session will be available in the following sports with all sessions taking place at Great Baddow High School, Chelmsford.

September 30th: Basketball

October 18th: Waterpolo

November 18th: Badminton

December 8th: Trampolining

January 10th: Boxing

February 10th: Fencing

March 9th: Handball

April 12th: Tennis

May 15th: Judo

June 14th: Volleyball

If you are interested in other sports, or this timetable is not suitable for you, then the Gold Challenge website can direct you towards the sports of your choice  http://www.goldchallenge.org/sports/the30sports

2012Km Challenge is the newest addition to Gold Challenge.  Groups or individuals cover an aggregate of either 2012km, 201.2km or 20.12km via a selection of Olympic or Paralympic sports.  You, your family or group must cover your chosen distance via one or more of 10 Olympic or Paralympic sports.

Register now:
Go to http://bit.ly/nwD37A to register. It is very simple to do - decide if you are taking on the challenge as an individual or a team (and have a team name ready if you are choosing the team option!), complete your details and then choose The J's Hospice from the drop down list of charities.  All we ask is that you also let us know what you are up to! Contact Nick Garner, the Fundraising Manager to say that you have registered and what are hoping to do or to sind out more information on the organised coaching sessions.

Any questions:
We want you to take the plunge and be part of an Olympic sporting legacy! If you’re still not sure after reading this fact sheet and the Gold Challenge website, then please call our Fundraising Manager Nick Garner with any further questions. We will support you throughout the Gold Challenge with fundraising and PR opportunities.

Contact Nick on 01245 351514 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

And finally:
The Gold Challenge has the potential to raise thousands of pounds for The J’s Hospice. By taking part, you could really help us to achieve our vision. Let us know what sports you are doing and when, and we will support you every step of the way.