BG North America launches the BG US Challenge presented by Fortune
  by: OilOnline
  Friday, September 08, 2006

Houston, TX ... BG North America (BG), a wholly owned subsidiary of BG Group plc, is pleased to announce its title sponsorship of the 2006 BG US Challenge, presented by Fortune.

Managed and produced by Challenger World and in partnership with Fortune Magazine, the BG US Challenge presented by Fortune is one of the top inter-business competitions in the United States and is expected to attract more than 50 teams from around the country. Using the trademarked Intelligent Sport™ concept, Challenger World, one of the world’s leading organizers of corporate team building challenges, has developed the most advanced, fun and diverse company team building events in the world with the aim of enhancing teamwork in business.

BG North America’s sponsorship of the event, which this year will be held from Oct. 19 - 21 in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Roanoke, Virginia, is in keeping with the philosophy behind the BG international Energy Challenge series. Over ten years, the BG Energy Challenge has brought together hundreds of people from around the world in a series of physical and mental challenges, while raising more than $3.0 million for charity.

Martin Houston, executive vice president and managing director, BG North America, Caribbean and Global LNG, says:

“As a rapidly growing company with expertise in the exploration and production of natural gas, LNG, power generation and the transmission and distribution of energy to consumers, we are excited about the opportunity to partner with Challenger World in the BG US Challenge presented by Fortune. This event is an excellent opportunity for companies to come together in a positive demonstration of teamwork and friendly competition, whilst raising funds for one of America’s most worthy charitable organizations – St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. I look forward as well, to the new relationships that will be created during this event.”

Commenting on the sponsorship, managing director of Challenger World, Andrew Finan says:

"Challenger World is thrilled that BG, a global player in the energy sector, and the leading supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the United States, has stepped forward to sponsor the US Challenge. BG has shown through its support of events worldwide the importance it places on teamwork, leadership and helping others through good causes. These qualities make them the perfect partner for the US Challenge - we look forward to a great relationship."

Each participating team in the BG US Challenge will consist of up to five individuals who will be called upon, as a team, to perform physical tasks such as running, mountain biking and kayaking, while incorporating activities requiring mental agility, to complete the overall objectives set for them in each of the five stages of the event.

A key element of the event is the money raised for charity. In addition to preparing for the mental and physical challenges, teams are also encouraged to raise funds for the event’s official charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. St. Jude is the world’s premier pediatric cancer research center. St. Jude has treated children from all 50 United States and more than 70 countries. Since opening in 1962, its research findings have been freely shared with medical communities worldwide. Families at St. Jude never pay for medical treatments not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay. Last year, more than $264,000 was raised by US Challenge participants for St. Jude.

“We are deeply appreciative and excited to have BG on board as title sponsor for the BG US Challenge presented by Fortune,” said John P. Moses, chief executive officer of ALSAC, the fund-raising organization of St. Jude. “We are proud that a company with such an international presence has chosen to partner with us as we strive to enhance the lives of children fighting cancer and other catastrophic diseases. That commitment speaks volumes about the philanthropic spirit of BG.”