Elite Ineos Teams Launch Covid Hygiene Initiative For Schools

A group of elite sports teams have come together to launch a new education programme aimed at getting children back to school safely.

The ZERO Days programme has been developed by the elite INEOS sports teams, as well as hygiene, education and behavioural change experts working alongside charity partner the 1851 Trust.  

The programme builds on the group’s various areas of expertise and offers free-to-use, curriculum-based resources for secondary schools, which include assemblies, videos, and posters for all areas of schools, to help prevent COVID-19 related school closures by creating a positive behaviour change in schools. 

Star names including Patrick Vieira, Eliud Kipchoge, Geraint Thomas, Egan Bernal, Sir Ben Ainslie and Sir Dave Brailsford have given their backing to the campaign, and will also implement the practices across their teams to help prevent the transmission of viruses and bacteria so they can get back to training and professional competition.

“Minimising the risk of avoidable illness is key to success in sport,” said Sir Dave Brailsford, INEOS Grenadier Team Principal who has led the team to seven Tour de France victories. 

“Consequently, over the last ten years, we have developed a unique hygiene programme to protect our riders and staff based on the principles of Prepare, Protect, Control. Hygiene has now become critical for everyone in every part of their life – from sport and school to the workplace and home – as we are all facing new challenges. 

“Through the ZERO Days schools programme, we are proud to be sharing this same expert knowledge and help teachers and pupils keep their schools open.”

Dame Louise Makin, Chair of 1851 Trust, added: “Over the summer teachers have shared with us the challenges that they face as schools reopen and how important it will be for their pupils to feel safe.  

“It’s been a privilege for the 1851 Trust to partner with experts and elite sports stars to develop the ZERO Days programme. Working with teachers we have adapted everyday, world class protocols for schools to help educate young people as part of the curriculum. We now want the ZERO Days programme to be available to pupils in every secondary school to protect themselves and each other at school, and also at home and in their communities.”