Get set for the big Mourne adventure

Get set for the big Mourne adventure

25 April 2012

HUNDREDS of teenagers from across Ireland will descend on Down District on Saturday for the inaugural Mourne Mountain Adventure.

Forty seven teams will take part in a challenge which will see them trek through the Mournes, cross Dundrum Bay on high-speed boats and take part in a series of tasks in Ballykinlar army camp designed to test their decision-making, stamina and teamwork.

Months of planning have gone into the organisation of the event which will bring together the Fire and Rescue Service, PSNI, Coastguard, National Trust, the army, St. John Ambulance and Down and Newry and Mourne Councils. The lead sponsor is Carillion.

The first phase of the adventure will take place from Tollymore Forest Park, with teams having to navigate through unmanned checkpoints in the forest park and

complete a command task that will test ingenuity and team working skills. The teams will then trek along the Brandy Pad through the Mournes and down to Newcastle Harbour.

Phase two will be the transportation of several hundred teenagers across Dundrum Bay by the Coastguard and several other organisations including the Mourne Underwater Search Team and the Community Rescue Service.

Once at the army camp training area the teams will complete a series of challenges before an awards presentation recognises the achievement of the young people.

Down Council Chairman Dermot Curran says the local authority is delighted to be working in partnership with the National Trust and a wide range of multi agency organisations to stage this new event for the Mournes.

“It is a wonderful opportunity to encourage our youth to explore and enjoy their natural surroundings as well as keeping the Mournes at the heart of our tourism destination,” he said.

An army spokesman said the event is a great opportunity to develop for young people to develop their potential while being tested for fitness and team-work as well as being exposed to the incredible natural environment in South Down. “The MOD is delighted to be playing part of an initiative which will help boost the confidence of young people, broaden their skills and give them justifiable pride in their achievements,” he said.

Alan Rodger from sponsors, Carillion, added; “We are pleased to get behind this cross community event that will bring young people together, not only to have fun and achieve something worthwhile, but also to teach them to respect the environment around them and appreciate the beauty that is right on their doorstep.”