A YORK adventure firm has taken their unwanted race equipment and turned it into a brand new playground for children in India.

The charity project, just completed, is the brainchild of Rat Race Adventure Sports, headquartered in Shipton-by-Beningbrough and who run outdoor events across the world.

Back in 2016, they hosted a race in Brisbane, Australia, and found themselves with £25,000 worth of leftover gear, held in shipping containers.

Rather than see it go to waste, they shipped the gear – which included cargo nets, scaffolding and tyres – to Malur, Karnakata Province.

And a team, which included members from Rat Race, and plant, tools and equipment hire firm GAP Group – have now travelled from Britain to India to construct the park themselves.

Jim Mee, founder of Rat Race, said: “It was tough work constructing the playground. We’re proud of the results.

“Most importantly, the local kids seem to love it too!”

The container of obstacles set sail from Brisbane for Mumbai in July 2018.

The whole project represents a £50,000 investment from Rat Race and GAP, who also partnered with the charities 'Playground Ideas' and ‘Headstreams', who helped to choose the location for the project.

Jim adds: “There’s a real satisfaction in constructing a playground, because you just know the joy it’s going to give to potentially thousands of children.

“It’s been a really special project to be involved in and we’re grateful for everyone’s support in pulling it off.”

A spokesperson for Playground Ideas said: “Play is fundamental to a child’s ability to fully develop, and it’s also a key tool for learning.

“The Rat Race team was fantastic.

“Their motivation and drive to see the project to fruition, regardless of the hurdles, was inspiring.

“I can’t wait to do another one!”

Daimon Dunhue is event services division manager for GAP and joined the build team in India.

He said: "It was inspiring to be a part of a team from all different nationalities and backgrounds, pulling together to build the playground.

“Seeing the children playing on it the day before we left really capped it off. It was a great experience and something I will definitely not forget."

It’s not the first time Rat Race has lent its support to children in need.

Rat Race participants are encouraged to raise sponsorship money for their partner charity ‘Children with Cancer UK’ - and if they hit a certain target, they’re given free race entry.

A portion of the entry fee from other racers also automatically goes to Children with Cancer UK.

https://ratrace.com/