South Shields school gears up for 24-hour cycle-a-thon in aid of Sport Relief

Students and staff from Mortimer Community College are in for the ride of their lives when they tackle a 24-hour static cycle as part of this year’s Sport Relief campaign – It’s Game On Newcastle!

Taking place in the school grounds in Mortimer Road, South Shields, the cycle will start at 8am on Friday, March 13 until 8am on Saturday, March 14.

Students will participate in 15-minute slots from 8am-8pm, before the staff take over throughout the night, each completing 30-minute stints on the bike.

All their efforts will be displayed on a screen which will track the distance they have travelled and allow passers-by to keep an eye on their progress.

Over the course of the school day students will also take part in inter-year group rowing contests, competing to see who can row the furthest.

The aim is to raise £1,000 which will go towards tackling poverty and injustice.

“Sport Relief is such an amazing charity that does some great work in the UK and around the world,” said a spokesperson for Mortimer Community College

“These activities will not only benefit the students physical wellbeing but also their mental health, to stimulate their minds for learning.”

Friday’s big events will top off a week of Sports Relief-themed activities at the school.

From Monday, March 9, in PE lessons students will participate in sports such as Ultimate Frisbee tournaments and circus skills.

The College added: “The PE lessons have been designed around both competition and enjoyment, which will allow students of all physical ability to get involved and ultimately have fun. Improving both their physical and mental health, and learning to come together and be part of a team.”

Sport Relief aims to raise life-changing money through the power of sport, with donations spent on tackling major issues including mental health stigma, domestic abuse, homelessness and child poverty.

Since the last event in 2018 some of the money raised has helped support more than 30 organisations in the North East and Cumbria.

Donate via the Mortimer Community College Just Giving page.