The world’s only virtual balloon race system, developed by Purepages Group in Manchester, offers a 100% eco-friendly way to raise money. Mike Phillips, Managing Director of Ecoracing.co, explained, “It’s a seven-day computer simulation race where everything is real except the balloon. The software uses current live weather data to determine the progress of each balloon and each entry can be tracked on Google Maps and Satellites once launched. It has no negative environmental impact on all wildlife, climate change, plastic waste or litter.”
He continued, “You can buy a virtual balloon for £3 and give it a name, colour, shape and pattern. In addition to this, you can select different features of your balloon, such as weight and thickness of rubber, which will determine its flight performance in order to enhance your chances of winning.” Mike added, “It’s a fun and easy way to raise funds for a cause, which kids and adults alike love.”
Gillian Hyman, chair of the Badshot Lea Tennis Club, said, “We have been fortunate in securing funding towards the installation of floodlights and the replacement of our existing club house with a new building fit for purpose. However, we need to match this funding with money raised by our own efforts. The virtual balloon race is one initiative towards our fundraising efforts to ensure that this work is able to go ahead. It will make a huge difference to users of the tennis club, both members and people from the local community.”
The race, titled Christmas Shopping Race, will ‘set off’ from New York on the 1st of December and lasts for 7 days. First prize, for the balloon that travels the farthest, is £500 cash, second prize is an Apple iPad and there will also be 10 lucky winners of £10 book tokens.
To get your balloon, or find out more, go to https://ecoracing.co/user/page/1959