Swire Oilfield Services Challenge Others to Join Them in Getting Fit for a Good Cause

Swire Oilfield Services, the leading global provider of offshore cargo carrying solutions, modular systems and associated services, is the main sponsor for this year’s Bike Balmoral and Great Drumtochty Challenges, as part of the company’s New Year resolution to get fit whilst fundraising for a good cause.

This is the first year that Swire Oilfield Services has sponsored the Bike Balmoral event, which takes place on 16th June 2013 and the second year the company has sponsored the Great Drumtochty Challenge, a one-day mountain bike orienteering competition on 26th May 2013.

The Bike Balmoral event provides vital fundraising for the charity CHILDREN 1st, established more than 125 years, the charity aims to build a brighter future for Scotland’s vulnerable children and families. Beyond offering individuals a chance to fundraise for a deserving cause, Bike Balmoral is the only event that allows those involved direct access to the grounds of Balmoral Estate, one of Scotland’s most prestigious attractions, which has been owned by the British Royal Family for the past 150 years.

Now in its sixth year, the event now offers something for everyone on a bike. The four routes include: The Swire 50K Challenge, a new and challenging event for corporate teams and individuals over 18 years of age; The Schools Challenge, which allows 14 and 15 year olds to cycle one 16k loop in teams of four, while 16 and 17 year olds cycle two 16k loops; The Scenic Cycle, a separate lowland course, following the River Dee is a 16k route suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities. 

Nick Coaton, Swire Oilfield Services’ group commercial manager, said: “We are delighted to be the main sponsor for Bike Balmoral and to provide support to CHILDREN 1st in protecting Scotland’s vulnerable children and families. As a company, we recently launched new £4 million global headquarters in Aberdeen and are investing £35 million in North Sea operations this year, showing our commitment to the region and Scotland as a whole.

“Bike Balmoral offers entrants a challenge specific to both their needs and abilities, whether that is as part of a corporate, school or family team, or as an individual. Participants have an opportunity to fundraise for a fantastic cause, while enjoying beautiful, rarely explored surroundings. As part of the Swire Oilfield Services corporate team taking part I cannot wait to get on my bike and I would encourage others to get involved.”

Morag Murray, event organiser for Bike Balmoral, said: “This is the sixth year that the event has run and I truly believe that it is set to be bigger and better than ever before.

“With a new and improved challenge for everyone and a chance to get fit, we encourage people to sign up and with the support from Swire Oilfield Services we can look to raise as much money as possible for CHILDREN 1st.”

The Great Drumtochty Challenge, started in 1998 by the Brechin Cycle Club now attracts mountain bikers from all over Scotland. The competition encourages teamwork and skill development – whether it is bike handling, map reading or motivational skills. It was these elements of the event that inspired the newly formed corporate team category introduced by Swire Oilfield Services. At least four employees of the company will be endorsing the event by taking part. Companies are encouraged to sign up for the event, with the opportunity to win a trophy. The winners will be invited to come back and defend the following year.

Roy Burrell, Swire Oilfield Services director & general manager UK, said: “Sponsored by our UK team, The Great Drumtochty Challenge is a fantastic event and we are excited to be the main sponsor. Having completed the challenge twice already, it always provides a great team building opportunity, requiring strategic thinking and practical planning, similar to that of business and I look forward to entering again this year.”