Freya Needs Sponsorship to Compete in Team UK International Geography Olympiad

Freya Ruparel who lives in Henley and goes to The Henley College has been selected to compete for Team UK (one of four students) in the International Geography Olympiad in Hong Kong this summer against students from across the world.  In order to compete Freya needs help with finding £1,850 sponsorship to cover the travel costs.

Studying Geography, Environmental Science and Philosophy A-Levels, Freya has been offered a place at the University of Cambridge to study Geography and was selected for the Team UK team after competing in the Geographic Association iGeo national geography competition.  She said, “I have a passion for Geography and this is the fulcrum between my aspirations and my academic studies. This opportunity will hone my interests in population and the environment preparing me for a career dedicated to developing a sustainable future.”

Freya’s entry into the national iGeo competition focused on upland moorland conservation and wildfires in the UK. This research involved writing and essay and answering questions whilst discovering the geography behind the summer Saddleworth Moor wildfires and the strategies used to mitigate their effects whilst adapting in the future to reduce the threat.

Locally, Freya has helped with the tree planting at the community orchard (off Paradise Road), a campaign against plastic waste in the Thames and has undertaken work experience with Henley Town Council. She has also been to Westminster to lobby for more college funding, meeting our local MP and speaking on ITV news.

This year’s international competition in Hong Kong in August will have a focus on discovering a vibrant city for our smart future. The week-long competition involves a written test, a multimedia test and substantial fieldwork requiring observation, leading to cartographic representation and geographical analysis. The aims of the Olympiad are to: stimulate active interest in geographical and environmental studies among young people; contribute positively to debate about the importance of geography as a senior secondary school subject by drawing attention to the quality of geographical knowledge, skills and interests among young people; facilitate social contacts between young people from different countries and in doing so, contribute to the understanding between nations.

Freya added, ” I very much hope interested parties will consider donating to my crowdfunding page at https://www.gofundme.com/freyateamuk, or email me at freya.ruparel@gmail.com to help me compete on an international level, and add to my passion for geography.”