Writing a press release

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Press Release

31/3/2001

Bathgate teenagers in scary jump to save lives

Ten teenagers will conquer their fear of heights for charity when they plunge 100 feet from Bath City bridge on Saturday June 19, in a specially arranged bungee jump to raise funds for children in the Third World.

The sponsored jump, at 2.00pm, will provide money for better health care and education for young people in poverty-stricken communities in countries such as Unganda and India. And just in case the youngsters consider "bottling out" the mayor of Bathgate has promised a donation of £ 1000 if they all successfully take the plunge.

"We're scared of heights and our friends are saying we're crazy, but we wanted to use sport to save lives, " says Catherine Jones(16), the organiser. "Young people like us have a choice about playing sport, even bungee jumping. But many young people our age in other countries do not. They struggle to find enough food to eat, never mind the luxury of deciding which sport to play".

The young people, all from Bathgate School, are among thousands who are taking part in Game of 2 Halves, a nationwide fundraising drive throughout June. It will see sponsored sporting events ranging from three-legged races to football tournaments. Game of 2 Halves is organised by Christians in Sport in association with Tearfund.

John Simpson, a teacher at Bath School, who is helping the teenagers run the project said "Sport is a common language throughout the world. When the young people were presented with the opportunity of raising money in this way, they quite literally jumped at it. They are now trying to persuade me to jump too!".

Remember

Make sure you include all your contact details and any photographs you have, a good photo makes the press release much more usable.