London Run Confirms Special Olympics GB Deal

The British 10k London Run has announced Special Olympics Great Britain as its Official Charity Partner for 2012, with 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, 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, takes place 19 days before the start of the Olympic Games.
 
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 the lives of people with learning disabilities and their families. 
 
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 added: ‘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 song ‘Proud’ at the start ceremony on Piccadilly.
 
Michael O’Reilly, founder and race director of the British 10k London Run, commented: ‘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.’