On Monday 3rd March at the offices of LMAX Exchange, Wooden Spoon officially launched their Arctic Rugby Challenge for 2015.
The evening, gratefully hosted by Arctic challenger and CEO of LMAX Exchange, David Mercer saw guests welcomed to a fun filled Arctic themed launch of the challenge, which is to be the first of its kind for Children’s Charity, Wooden Spoon.
This pioneering expedition will be led by the world class maritime polar adventurer, Jock Wishart who will be joined by former Rugby Union Internationals Tim Stimpson (England and British & Irish Lions) and Pat Sanderson (England).
Setting out from Resolute Bay, Canada, in mid-April 2015 the team will trek up to 100 miles to one of the furthest places north on the planet, the 1996 certified position of the Magnetic North Pole, in just 7 days. Once at the Magnetic North Pole the team will play the northernmost rugby match in history, captained by rugby legends Tim and Pat.
David Mercer, CEO of LMAX Exchange commented: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to embark on an unrivalled expedition with Jock. I am excited by the challenge, and pleased that LMAX Exchange is able to play a role in helping to make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people.”
Former Rugby Union International and Wooden Spoon Ambassador, Jason Leonard OBE was on hand to speak about the great work of the charity and commended the challengers on their impending challenge. He commented ‘’This is a unique challenge, and something most people will never get to experience. The fact that they are doing it for such a wonderful cause as Wooden Spoon means that they will receive my full support.”