The SWMSTC

MS Challenge 2010

2. RULES


The object of the Challenge is for a team to complete an orienteering type course, of approximately 12 Kilometres, (set on Forestry Commission Land in the Brecon Beacons, taking with them, in a wheelchair, a person who has Multiple Sclerosis. This gives the person with MS the chance to enjoy the sort of fun which is not normally available to them, and at the same time helps raise much needed funds for the Therapy Centre that person attends.

A Team shall consist of not less than 10, and not more than 12, people carrying a wheelchair complete with a passenger.

The passenger must be a person who has MS (Multiple Sclerosis).

A carrying frame, supplied by the organisers, must be attached to the wheelchair by the team (using rope lashings supplied by the organisers or any other method approved by the organisers). Cable ties are not allowed. The wheelchair must be capable of being wheeled in the normal manner with the frame removed.

Orienteering-type instructions will be issued to each team approximately 30 minutes before the team’s starting time, when it is emphasised that route finding is a very important part of the Challenge.

The course will be approximately 12 Kilometres in length and may include mud, rocks, steep slopes (both up and down) and any other hazards that the organisers feel are “challenging”. Teams will need to carry at least three torches as the route will go through a disused railway tunnel.

Teams MUST accept full responsibility for the safety of the wheelchair passenger throughout the Challenge.

Teams will start at 10-minute intervals.

Teams must be equipped with two whistles and aware of the mountain rescue system of calling for assistance, (i.e. 6 long blasts repeated at intervals of approximately one minute).

Teams must wear suitable footwear, i.e. strong, sturdy shoes or boots – NOT trainers

Sensible clothing, like wet weather gear, is recommended – please don’t wear anything new! Jeans are unsuitable as they chafe when wet. It is advisable to have a change of clothing for afterwards

Wheelchair passengers must be equipped with protective headgear.

There will be compulsory five minute break half way round the course for

passenger comfort and refreshment.

Unfortunately because of roaming sheep, the Forestry Commission will not allow dogs, not even on a lead. This does not apply to special needs or guide dogs

Gates must be closed after a team has used them.

Do not climb over fences to overtake slower teams. You could be trespassing.

Do not turn direction signs around. This is a dangerous practice, which could
put others at risk. Teams doing so will be disqualified.

For further information please contact :

Peter at the Portsmouth Centre 023 9269 9116 or 07771620066