The Norfolk Superhero Challenge has announced that almost £160,000 has been awarded to 25 community groups through its new charitable initiative, the Norfolk Superhero Fund. Those involved explain more
Thanks to the efforts of more than 100 teams who competed in this summer’s Norfolk Superhero Challenge quadrathlon, children and young people across Norfolk will now benefit from projects that help them get active in their communities. Held each June at Burnham Overy Staithe, the Norfolk Superhero Challenge is a unique quadrathlon where pairs of competitors swim, kayak, cycle and run along the North Norfolk coast.
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Since it began, the event’s strong spirit of teamwork has helped raise more than £1.34 million for Norfolk-based charities. This year marks the start of a three-year partnership with the Norfolk Community Foundation to deliver the Norfolk Superhero Fund, which aims to improve opportunities for young people to be active. The initiative responds to growing concerns about declining activity levels and wellbeing among children. In Norfolk, one in five children leave primary school obese, 8% have a diagnosed mental health need, and a third of children cannot swim—a figure that continues to rise.
Carlotta Newbury, one of the organisers of the Norfolk Superhero Challenge, said: “Funding 25 different voluntary organisations reaching every district in the county is a significant achievement, especially in the first year of this partnership. We know that young people are spending less time being active, and that has real long-term implications for health, wellbeing and confidence. The Norfolk Superhero Fund is about changing that story.”
The first round of funding has supported a wide range of initiatives, with grants ranging from £980 to £8,000. These include the purchase of accessible bikes, training youth workers to deliver gym sessions, and creating outdoor opportunities for young carers and children with special educational needs and disabilities.
One of the organisations awarded funding was The Nancy Oldfield Trust. Centre Manager Katy Jarvis said: “The funding will go towards our specific bursary aimed at supporting children and young people with special educational needs and/or social, emotional and mental health difficulties. We’ll be able to offer opportunities to young people who may never have had them otherwise.”
Olivia Leeper, Chair of the Fund’s Grant Panel said: “It’s inspiring to see the Superhero spirit continue through this fund. Just as the event is about teamwork and determination, the projects we’re supporting bring communities together to help children get active.”
Claire Mackintosh MBE, CEO of Norfolk Community Foundation, said: “The Norfolk Superhero is about togetherness, energy and spirit, and we are proud to reflect these qualities in our partnership. By working side by side, we can reach more communities and help more young people to thrive. The impact we are seeing already is exciting, and we are looking forward to building on this over the next three years.”
The Norfolk Superhero Challenge remains committed to ensuring its impact is felt across the whole of Norfolk. While the event takes place on the North Norfolk coast, the charitable reach of the Superhero Fund extends far beyond, investing in children and young people county-wide and building a stronger future for communities across Norfolk.
This is just the start of a 3-year programme. The fund will open for further applications in June at norfolkfoundation.com, where groups can also sign up to the funding newsletter to be alerted first.
Visit Norfolk Community Foundation.
Featured image of the volunteers who are all part of the decision-making panel – supplied by Norfolk Community Foundation. Olivia Leeper is standing third from left and Carlotta Newbury is standing second from left.
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