A host of Team GB athletes were once again in action this weekend as they shared their experiences, and their medals, with thousands across the country taking part in I Am Team GB.
A day made possible by the National Lottery and ITV, returning athletes went to sporting events nationwide to celebrate the British success at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and also to thank those who take part in the National Lottery whose funding is so vital to Team GB’s athletes.
Thousands of venues up and down the country opened up their doors for free, with the added bonus of the chance to meet Olympic heroes at some.
The success of I Am Team GB was there for all to see, with people getting involved in table tennis on Coronation Street, triathlon at Emmerdale Farm, handball at the Copper box arena at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, sailing on Ullswater and fun runs across the country.
As part of the celebrations for I Am Team GB, ITV switched off all of its channels for one hour to encourage people to get out, and get active. No matter how big or small the exertion the message was, come and be part of it and say ‘I Am Team GB’.
Well over hundred thousand people signed up and took part in events and the gold dust of Team GB’s athletes undoubtedly added to the occasion.
Speaking at the Copperbox, double gold medal winning gymnast Max Whitlock had this to say about the day:
“Rio was a wonderful experience for all of us involved and being part of a day like today brings home just what it meant to so many back in Britain.
“I started life as a gymnast at Sapphire School of Gymnastics in Hemel Hempstead and still have strong ties with the club so know how important the grassroots end of sport is to every Olympian.
“Winning medals for Team GB offers a brilliant opportunity to excite and inspire a new generation so I was delighted to get the opportunity to come down today and get involved in I Am Team GB.
“Beyond that, given the impact that the National Lottery’s funding has had on so many of us as athletes, today was a great opportunity to come out and thank the public who make that support possible”
Kirston Nelson and her family attended (2 children) and said the following:
“It was an amazing day for all the family, the children have managed to try out lots of sports.
“As a volunteer with a local gymnastics club it has been a great day to sign up new members to our club, and has been organised so well it should happen every year!”
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