The British 10k London Run today announces Special Olympics Great Britain as their Official Charity Partner for 2012
The charity’s Ambassadors, Double Olympic Gold Medallist Darren Campbell MBE, Football Pundit Chris Kamara, Olympic Bronze Medallist Katharine Merry, and Heather Small formerly of M People, are all backing the charity as they attempt to get 2,012 runners fundraising for the charity on the day. The annual 10k run, in its 12th year, is the third largest run in the country and sees 25,000 runners take to the streets of London.
Next year’s event, on the 8th July, promises to be the best in its history. Taking place during the Queens’ Diamond Jubilee year and just 19 days before the start of the Olympic Games, London at this time will be bustling with excitement making for a truly memorable race on a course which passes the city’s most historic and famous landmarks such as Big Ben, the London Eye, Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.
For over 30 years, Special Olympics Great Britain has been providing a daily sports training and competition programme for children and adults with learning disabilities, of all ability levels. The charity hopes to raise over £500k to reach out to a further 12,000 athletes in London and across the country over the next 2 years and help transform the lives of people with learning disabilities and their families.
Commenting on the partnership, Chief Executive of Special Olympics GB, Karen Wallin said; “Being selected as the chosen charity for the British 10K is a huge honour for our charity. Many people confuse us with the Paralympics instead of an everyday local sports programme for children and adults with learning disabilities. Taking part in regular sports activities gives people with learning disabilities the opportunity not only to get fit but also provides a gateway to inclusion, empowerment, competence, and acceptance. So please join Team Special Olympics next year and help us raise funds to develop the programme to benefit thousands more athletes right across the country.”
Special Olympics GB ambassador and double Olympic Gold Medallist Darren Campbell MBE said; “The race route is absolutely fantastic – I can’t wait! The chance to run safely through the heart of the capital past all your favourite landmarks with 25,000 others who are all having a great time is truly immense. Special Olympics do some amazing work in offering sporting opportunities to people with learning disabilities so it really is a great cause to be running for.”
Organisers have also confirmed that Heather Small from M People will sing her rousing song ‘Proud’ at the start ceremony on Piccadilly to get all 25,00 runners truly inspired for their race. Runners will also receive a new high quality finishers’ medal as well as electronic chip timing and an SMS text of their finish time sent directly to their mobiles after finishing to mark this special race.
Michael O’Reilly, Founder and Race Director of the British 10k London Run, added; “We are extremely excited about staging our 12th British 10k London Run in Diamond Jubilee and Olympic year. The event has always been about raising money for charity and I am thrilled that we are working with such a worthwhile charity as Special Olympics Great Britain and helping the work they do for those with learning disabilities.”
The 10km race has sold out for the past six years and with the 2012 event set to be such a special occasion, interest is expected to be higher than ever.
Runners looking to secure a place in the 2012 British 10k London Run and raise money for Special Olympics Great Britain should visit www.thebritish10klondon.co.uk
To find out more about the Special Olympics Great Britain click here
