UKactive Announce Great British Week of Sport
August 21, 2020
Ukactive is celebrating and promoting sport and physical activity with the creation of a new event - the Great British Week of Sport. The first edition of the campaign will highlight the power sport has to improve mental and social wellbeing as well as physical health.
Taking place Saturday 19th to Sunday 27th September, the campaign will run in partnership with Sport England, the UK Government and the European Commission and will include a host of additional physical, mental and social wellbeing organisations such as youth organisation Street Games, mental health charity Mind and fitness brand Les Mills.
The celebration will form the bedrock of the UK’s delivery of the European Week of Sport, which launched in 2015 to address the inactivity crisis across Europe. In support of efforts to promote healthy lifestyles, the campaign will run a series of events showcasing a huge variety of sports and activities to encourage people of all ages to be more active and reap the resulting benefits.
“We are living in challenging times, which makes it all the more important we celebrate the incredible spirit and unity through sport and activity that makes our communities stronger,” said Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, ukactive Chair.
“The Great British Week of Sport will show that physical activity is available to everyone, no matter what your background, age, gender, race or ability, and that being active together is an amazing thing.”
While the week celebrates the value of grassroots sport and physical activity to millions across Great Britain, some notable faces will be on hand to promote the events, including: Team GB Hockey gold medallist, Georgie Twigg; Paralympic gold medallists, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and David Smith; Nike triathlete John McAvoy; RED Together Founder Hannah Beecham; and Football Beyond Borders Coach, Debra Nelson.
Tim Hollingsworth, CEO, Sport England, said: “We know that sport is a powerful means to bring people together, and so a full week dedicated to showcasing fun and enjoyable activities to encourage people of all ages to get involved means more people should have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of being active.”
The British public will be encouraged to use the hashtag #BeActive on social media to share the activities they love most to help inspire others to get involved. They are also encouraged to use the free ‘Active 10’ walking and ‘Couch to 5k’ running apps, in partnership with Public Health England’s Better Health campaign.
Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said: “It’s never been more important to look after our physical and mental health, and I know that sports facilities across the country have worked really hard to welcome people back safely.