Polar team supports new breed of Arctic explorers (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Polar team supports new breed of Arctic explorers

THEY'RE taking part in one of the world's most gruelling events in temperatures as low as -50 degrees.

But members of Hardware.com, which is one of a number of teams competing in this year's Polar Challenge, took time out from a harsh training regime recently to support the next breed of Arctic explorer.

The team, which is made up of Cotswold businessman Rory Sweet, Henry Cookson and Rupert Longsdon, are sponsored by one of Rory's two firms.

And, South Cerney-based computer network and hardware company Hardware.com (website www.hardware.com), have also donated £3,000 towards Polar Challenge's Legacy Programme.

The programme will see Cirencester's Deer Park School take part in an exchange visit with the Inuit Qarmartalik School in the Canadian Arctic Circle.

Mr Sweet, who also runs Cotswold-based IT and communication firm Zycko, said: "We're delighted to be able to help with the Arctic exchange programme.

"We're always keen to help out good local causes - it's nice to be able to put a bit back into the local community."

Teachers and pupils from Deer Park will travel out to Resolute Bay, Canada, next month on the first leg of the programme.

And they are holding an auction of promises at the Stroud Road school tomorrow (Fri, March 11) at 8pm, to help raise more funds towards the trip.

In the meantime, Team Hardware.com returned from a tough training session in Austria at the weekend and will also be making the trip to Resolute Bay next month, for the start of their 320 mile race to the Magnetic North Pole.

The event is organised by the Cirencester-based Venture Challenge group and Mr Sweet says the team, who have some 'interesting' training practices, are looking forward to taking on some of the world's toughest terrain.

He said: "I like the idea of a good challenge and wanted to do something different.

"We're reasonably happy with our fitness and feel a lot more comfortable after having done the training in Austria."

To find out more about the race and Team Hardware.com, log-on to www.polar-challenge.com.

* Among the items up for grabs at Deer Park's auction of promises are a hot air balloon ride, meals at various local restaurants and rounds of golf at different courses. A number of firms have also made cash donations.

Anyone interested in supporting the project should contact the school on 01285 653477.