EIGHT children with special needs will compete against more than 270 teams in the 2006 Kielder Challenge today.
The youngsters, aged from 13 to 16, from Kirkleatham Hall School, Redcar, are battling it out in the national competition, which aims to integrate children in an outdoor environment.
The school will take part in a heat at Hardwick Hall, near Sedgefield, competing in a series of games promoting teamwork and integration between team members.
In the past the games have included completing huge jigsaw puzzles and negotiating rope mazes.
The Kielder Challenge is supported by HSBC Education Trust and managed by outdoor access charity Fieldfare Trust.
Dame Mary Richardson, chief executive of HSBC's education trust, said: "The Kielder Challenge successfully combines some of our most important objectives in supporting educational causes.
"It gives young people with and without disabilities the chance to compete on equal terms and promotes teamwork, leadership skills and a positive attitude.
"This is essential if a child is to develop self-confidence, self-esteem and achievement outside the classroom."
The top teams from the regional heats will win a place in the 2006 Kielder Challenge Grand Final, which will take place in Kielder Forest, Northumberland, between September 20 and 24.
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