Dundee will become Fun-dee on 20th September when TV star Lorraine Kelly sounds the starting gun for the City's first Big City Challenge. More than 200 people will be racing to complete unusual tasks around Dundee, competing to be crowned the Big City Challenge Champions 2003.
The Big City Challenge is being organised to raise funds to support the £3.5m campaign to build the Institute for Cardiovascular Research (TICR) at Ninewells Hospital, a centre of excellence in cardiovascular research. Teams of five people each from across the local community, including voluntary organisation, youth groups, businesses and the University will compete against each other and the clock in a series of challenges including dexterity tasks, erecting a tent while blindfolded and moving an entire Chinese carry-out meal from one plate to another using only chopsticks.
In the final round, more challenging tasks will be set for teams who make it through the first two stages, culminating in each team building a raft at Victoria Dock to sail round the harbour.
Teams of five people will be asked to raise a minimum of £250 just £50 per team member - in sponsorship for TICR. Lorraine Kelly, who will launch the challenge, is encouraging Dundonians to take part. Ms Kelly will present a range of prizes at City Quay, including a grand prize for most money raised and the winning team.
She says: "Heart disease is Scotland's number one killer and therefore affects all of us. Here in Dundee, a tremendous amount of research is being done to combat heart disease and improve the health of our hearts. A recent study demonstrated the urgent need for the TICR centre more than 20% of 14 year old children in Tayside are already displaying classic signs of heart disease. The Big City Challenge will be a great day out for all ages. I will be there on Saturday 20 September and I hope to see as many teams as possible from Tayside youth clubs, social clubs and workplaces joining me to support Dundee's vital role in improving Scotland's health."
David Cunningham, organiser of the Big City Challenge at the University of Dundee, said: "The Big City Challenge is going to be a day to remember. It will be fun-filled, challenging and a great day out for teams and their supporters. I would invite any clubs, families or workplaces to think about getting a five person team together for Dundee's first Big City Challenge day. The only stipulation is that team members must be over 16 years old. Big City Challenges have already been successfully organised in Bath, Newcastle and London raising lots of money for good causes but I am confident that Dundonians will perform even better!"
The Institute for Cardiovascular Research brings together on one site skilful clinicians and researchers from all areas of the University's Medical School who have special expertise in the prevention and treatment of heart disease. Fundraising for the new flagship institute has already crossed the halfway point having raised £1.6 million. The Big City Challenge will contribute to the remaining £1.5m to complete the Institute.
Further information and sponsorship forms are available from David Cunningham on 01382 348046 d.r.cunningham@dundee.ac.uk.
By Jenny Marra, Head of Press 01382 344910 j.m.marra@dundee.ac.uk