Summer term is finally here after a difficult year for teachers, children and their families. The British Red Cross and Team GB have joined forces ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games to inspire primary schools, early years settings and families in Wales to help children challenge themselves in individually chosen activities – anything from running and jumping, to reading or baking!
The initiative marks the launch of a new Olympic-inspired campaign between the British Red Cross and Team GB, with the aim of inspiring communities to come together and look out for each other.
The Red Cross hopes that schools and families will pledge small amounts of money to help support the charity’s vital work and have lots of fun in the sun at the same time. The British Red Cross has been supporting people in Wales throughout the coronavirus crisis, helping people get their vaccines, supporting those hardest hit by providing practical and emotional support through its dedicated Covid-19 support line, providing cash grants, food and other essential supplies to people in urgent need, and through supporting the volunteer prescription delivery scheme.
The Be Your Best challenge launches on 28 June 2021 and will encourage children to aim for their own ‘personal best’ in the same way that Team GB athletes are always striving to improve their performance. Local Red Cross fundraiser Jess Burden explains:
“Every child has a different talent and it’s important for them to develop these and be recognised for their efforts. We want to see children and their classmates pledge to be their best at a range of activities. They could aim to swim a record number of lengths or do a daily mile – but they might decide to smash a target list of new spellings or lift a record amount of litter in their community. Even competitive cupcake baking is permitted!”
Sally Gunnell Team GB Olympian, won an Olympic gold in the 400m Hurdles at the 1992 Barcelona Games, said:
“I’ve supported the British Red Cross for years and I’m delighted that two organisations, close to my heart have come together to support local communities.”
“Schools or families can sign up for a fundraising pack until 12 July with plenty of curriculum-linked resources, fundraising ideas, posters, stickers and inspiring stories from Team GB athletes. These could also be used for summer schemes or for families to organise some summer fun in the park!”
Mike Adamson, British Red Cross Chief Executive said:
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be working with Team GB ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, launching this new Olympic-inspired campaign, to get kids active and bring communities together.
“From baking to swimming, school children across the country have already committed to some wonderful ideas to challenge themselves, and we’re looking forward to more schools getting involved as we get ready to cheer on the athletes at the Olympics this Summer.
“The British Red Cross is powered by a team of thousands of volunteers performing acts of kindness in their communities, making a huge difference to people in crisis, in the same way Team GB know the power of their team of athletes, working together to achieve incredible things.”
Scott Field, Director of Communications at Team GB, said:
“Team GB is incredibly proud to partner with the British Red Cross. This past year has demonstrated that, as a nation, we are so much stronger when we come together to support each other. The ‘Be Your Best’ initiative from the British Red Cross is an excellent way to engage communities with the Tokyo Olympic Games.”
To get hold of a ‘Be Your Best’ fundraising pack visit: redcross.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising-and-events/be-your-best
