Red Cross and Team GB ask Oldham kids to join Olympic-inspired campaign ‘Be Your Best!'

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 Oldham 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 Greater Manchester throughout the coronavirus crisis, offering support at vaccination centres, delivering food and medicines to people’s homes, and helping people return home from hospital.

The Be Your Best challenge launches on June 28, 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.

Kathryn Hoyle, Community Fundraising Manager for the British Red Cross in Greater Manchester and Lancashire, explained: “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, a Team GB Olympian who 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 with plenty of curriculum-linked resources, fundraising ideas, posters, stickers and inspiring stories from Team GB athletes, until July 12.

"These could also be used for summer schemes or for families to organise some summer fun in the park!”

More than 250 schools across the UK have already signed up to take part in Be Your Best.

To get hold of a ‘Be Your Best’ fundraising pack, click here

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