College races to Tokyo 2020 Olympics

@barnsleycollege races to @Tokyo2020 Olympics

An event organised by Barnsley College saw over 100 students and staff complete the  Barnsley Totally Tokyo Challenge by running, walking and cycling through a breath-taking 5,847-mile journey to the forthcoming Tokyo Olympics.

Every time the team completed a distance-based exercise such as running, walking or cycling, the College team advanced along the map from Barnsley towards Tokyo and virtually explored the culture of Germany, Poland, Belarus, Russia, Mongolia, China, South Korea and Tokyo.

During the event, students and staff raised money for the Sheffield Children’s Hospital Little Bears project to help towards raising vital funds for a new cancer and leukaemia ward.

Mia Wesson, Health and Safety Officer/Trainer at Barnsley College, said: “I decided to join in as I am an active person, but my gym was closed due to lockdown and I had felt my motivation slipping. I needed a new focus and this was just perfect timing. I loved the team element of the challenge but also the fact that the leader board meant you could keep track of your own progress against that of your colleagues, I’m definitely motivated by a little competition!

“I would love for challenges like this to continue as it gives you a great sense of team spirit, some drive and determination, and as we know, it is wonderful for our mental wellbeing too. I think as a College we have a team of great people who can do amazing things.”

Amanda Sowerby, Barnsley College Sports Maker and event organiser, added: “Students and staff thoroughly enjoyed regularly completing their walking, running or cycling and relished the challenge of clocking up the 5,847 miles collectively with cultural insights on the way. What a team! In fact, as a College we were so enthusiastic we got to Tokyo early and did some virtual sightseeing!”

Natalie Jackson, Totally Runable Director and event partner, also added: “At Totally Runable we love a challenge, so it was great to collaborate with the College on their Barnsley Totally Tokyo project this year. With ways for everyone to get involved and be a part of the wider College family, it was wonderful to hear feedback on the physical and mental benefits that participants reported. The use of cities, with engaging graphics and fun facts, for the team to celebrate (virtually) passing milestones on the way from Barnsley to Tokyo really brought the whole challenge to life, and definitely inspired people to get out and get more miles for the group. Well done everyone on a fantastic project!”