Ten Tors 2009
Congratulations to both the 35 and 45 mile Ten Tors teams who completed the 2009 event!
This year PCSC were awarded two teams in the 2009 Ten Tors event (35 mile & 45 mile). The students have been training since January in the gym and classroom and their weekends out on Dartmoor preparing themselves physically and mentally for the challenge ahead. Karl Timmins from the Torbay Youth Service said “Working in partnership with Paignton Community and Sports College we are able to provide a varied programme of training that will empower each of the team members with the skills they will need to take on this fantastic challenge.”
6 students per team took up the challenge of navigating their way across the rugged landscape of Dartmoor on 9th & 10th May alongside 400 other teams from schools, colleges, cadet and youth groups. Having flown through scrutineering with no major issues both teams spent the rest of Friday preparing themselves mentally and enjoying the climbing wall and stands the army had laid on. Katy Cuckston (Team Manager) said “Both teams have worked really hard throughout the training for this event and all students deserve their place in the team. I hope they are all very proud with themselves for everything they have achieved not only this weekend but also over the past 6 months.”
Both teams left the start line nervous but confident of finishing in good time on the Sunday after some careful route planning. Once they had gone staff were left to wait and hope there were no injuries or illnesses as now the teams were out on their own until they returned on Sunday afternoon. After some brilliant navigation and teamwork a fantastic sight greeted staff on the finish line as the 35 mile team came in first closely followed 5 minutes later by a running 45 mile team! This resulted in a very proud smile on all those involved in the build up to the event. David Carpenter (Head of PE) said “A big thank to everyone for all the hard work and effort to make it the best Ten Tors I have ever known at Paignton. It is a life experience those children will never forget.” The 45 mile team have even been personally thanked by staff at Torquay Community College for supporting and encouraging their team whilst out on the moors, demonstrating real testament to the spirit of the event.
Congratulations must go to all students who took part in both the event and training for this very prestigious event.
35 mile team: Dylan Shillabeer, Martyn Gebhard, Garry Bacon, Rachel Litt, Lauren Dawkins, Kayleigh Perrett and Sean Scott
45 mile team: Dan Page, Stuart Lee, Jordan Harlock, Charlie Crotty, Ilan Strul, Michelle Godden and Ben Squires
Thanks must go to all staff who helped out with the event including staff from the College; Chris Cook, Feli Arranz & Charlotte Singleton and also to the Torbay Youth Service, especially Karl Timmins, who ran the onsite training and provided the team with extra instructors out on the weekends. Jason Trevarthen (Assistant Principal and Director of Sport) said “I would like a special thank you to Miss Cuckston go for all her time, hard work, planning and excellent organisation to build up to a very successful Ten Tors 2009.” Without all of these people the teams would not have been as prepared and ready and I’m sure they all pass on their thanks. Thank you also to all staff that came up to the event over the weekend or helped in any other way in the success of both teams.
Katy Cuckston (Team Manager)
