Olympic medallists choppered in for UK’s biggest fun run in Newham
British Olympic stars flew in to cheer on over 900 youngsters, from six schools across East London, as they took part in the UK's biggest fun run, today (Friday 18th June).
Before the starting pistol was fired for this year's Tesco Great School Run, Olympic medallist and former world record holder, Colin Jackson made an incredible helicopter landing at the start line.
Colin, along with British Olympic gymnast Louis Smith, dropped in to West Ham Park to offer encouragement to the youngsters and give them some last minute tips and advice.
Further support came from former Olympic champion Tessa Sanderson, as well as 99 year old Fauja Sing, who is the marathon world record holder for runners aged 90-plus.
After a special warm up with the athletes, the excited pupils joined over a million children from more than 4,000 schools across the UK who have taken part in the 2km run, this week.
Now in its sixth year, the Tesco Great School Run - organised by those behind the world famous Great North Run - aims to encourage children between the ages of five and 11 to get fit and healthy through exercise and nutrition advice.
Colin said: "The children have been preparing for today for months, making sure they eat healthily and get enough exercise. It's clear that they enjoyed it - events like todays just go to show what great fun exercise can be.
"It's incredible to see so many children from East London keeping fit and getting really enthusiastic about running. The buzz and excitement among the kids as they were warming up today was electric and it was really inspiring to see the effort they all put in."
Since the launch of this year's event, athletes including Colin and former 400m Olympic medallist, Katharine Merry have visited schools around the country and encouraged children to prepare for this year's run by exercising regularly and eating well.
Colin added: "The Tesco Great School Run is always a fantastic event and I think this has been its best year yet. It's great that these children have taken part and I hope that each of them can now maintain the enthusiasm they've shown for athletics and good health over the last few weeks."
Newham's Mayor, Sir Robin Wales, said: "Few things are more important than getting our children active and interested in sports. Newham already has a rich sporting legacy, which has bred winners such as 400m Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogu, and as the host borough for the 2012 Games we are seeking the next generation of sporting stars.
"I think it's fantastic that Newham is now a permanent feature on Britain's sporting map and we are delighted to host this national event."
Josh Hardie, Head of Corporate Responsibility, Tesco, said: "Tesco gets over two and a half million people active each year, and the Tesco Great School Run is a key part of this - it's a great way to switch young people on to exercise fun and to help make physical activity part of each school's and every family's lifestyle. We're extremely proud of its success and congratulate everyone who took part this year."
Posted on June 17, 2010 by CE