A daring past pupil of St Nicholas’ Primary School in Ardglass has decided to raise funds for his school with the Wild Geese skydiving school in Coleraine. James Price is looking forward to his great adventure.
“This is my first dive. I’m really looking forward to it. It is a real challenge. I got the dive as a Christmas present and I’m just getting round to it now that the weather is much improved. I’m delighted to be able to support a good cause while I’m doing this so I decided to do it for my past primary school. I’ll be up there any day now.
“It is a tandem jump and I’ve already done all the practice sessions and preparations with my instructor. I can’t wait. The plane takes ten minute sto get up to the altitude oof 15,000 feet. We’ll be descending at 120 mph. When the parachute canopy opens there will be a sense of tranquility as we descend. Just to think that I will be coming down two miles from the plane in a parachute!
“We will be tethered to the plane with a chute opening chord which ensures the chute opens up in a timely way and on the way down I’ll actually have some control of the chute guiding it to a safe landing.
“I’d love to do a solo jump connected to the line next but I expect I’d have to do a few tandem jumps first to get more confidence and training. Ultimately I’d love to do a free jump pulling the chord to release the chute myself. That would be a tremendous adrenaline rush.”
School principal Kevin Burns said: “I’m delighted to received this donation on behalf of the school from James. He must be commended for his efforts. The funds will be used in the school for front line activities such as buying books and materials for use in class.”
A student studying social services, James is totally focussed on his parachute jump. “We will be jumping from 15000 feet for the jump. When you think that Slieve Donard is 2000-feet high it is quite a good distance up… I can’t wait.”
Check out the Wild Geese skydive at: http://www.wildgeeseskydive.com/
You can still donate to James’ great adventure at the Ardglass Wine Store in Ardglass.
