Team from Meech completes ‘Olympic’ challenge

‘Team Meech’ competed at the Roger Bannister stadium in Oxford, contesting a series of events ranging from archery, shot putt, baton relay, rowing, basketball, standing long jump and a swimming relay, to running and welly wanging. Welly wanging is a sport that originated in Britain where competitors are required to hurl a Wellington boot as far as possible within boundary lines, from a standing or running start.

Meech International was one of 18 companies that volunteered a team for The Olympic Challenge event, which took place at the Roger Bannister stadium in Oxford on July 17.

Meech International, which has its headquarters in Witney near Oxford, formed the Meech Centenary Trust at the end of 2013 to help raise funds for local charitable organizations and community groups that support young people between the ages of 15 -25, including individuals with disabilities, to find work or get back into education in and around West Oxfordshire.

The Meech Centenary Trust is managed by the Oxford-based Oxfordshire Community Foundation (OCF).

Chris Francis, chief executive officer of Meech International, said: ‘It was a great day out on behalf of a worthwhile cause. We had stiff competition but this did not diminish the competitive spirit of Team Meech, who were up for every challenge.

‘Raising funds is important but equally important is reinforcing the collaborative efforts of local companies to help young people to find jobs and return to education.’

OCF chief executive Jayne Woodley added: ‘After many months of organizing the challenge with the High Sheriff, it was great to see it finally come to life. Team Meech put their heart and soul into every event and on what turned out to be an extremely hot day, they fared very well indeed. We’re delighted to have their support as it really does make a difference to the lives of the young people we want to help.’