Pupils need cash for trip to Moscow

8:46am Monday 12th May 2008

Space-mad youngsters have been brought back down to earth by the news that a planned appearance at this year's Space Olympics is under threat.

For four years, secondary pupils have battled it out to be part of a group representing Bradford at the international event held each year in Russia's "space city", Korolev, near Moscow.

It sees 400 people from countries across the globe, including America, Australia, Greece, Germany, Russia and Kazakhstan, come together to demonstrate their knowledge of space, and the science needed to understand it, in a series of high-pressure presentations and exams.

However, a lack of sponsorship means the 12 Bradford students chosen to take part in the October competition may not see their dreams take off.

Now the students and Bradford co-ordinator Jeanette Dent have made an appeal for individuals or businesses able to provide sponsorship to come forward. The youngsters require £10,000 to attend the ten-day event.

Mrs Dent, science co-ordinator at Thornton Grammar School, said: "We have had funding in the past which has paid for around 80 per cent of the trip, with the pupils raising the rest themselves.

"The 12-strong team for this year's event has been picked from 60 original applicants. They have already started to work on their presentations and have done a bit of fundraising themselves. But the trip is in jeopardy if we don't get any help with further funding.

"We are looking for around £10,000 in total. If someone will sponsor us we don't mind wearing sponsored shirts or anything, really."

Mrs Dent said pupils who had travelled before had gained a "huge amount". She said: "They grow in confidence, learn how to do their own research and present a paper to a panel of experts, including cosmonauts, and represent Bradford and the UK."

This year, youngsters from Hanson, Thornton Grammar, Dixons City Academy, Belle Vue Girls, Nab Wood, Buttershaw, St Joseph's, Laisterdyke and Ilkley Grammar have been selected to take part.

Thornton pupil Rebecca Jennings said: "I have been working hard on my research into rocket propellant and it would be tragic if we didn't go. I hope there is someone reading this who can help."

To help, contact Jeanette Dent on (07826) 935521.

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