Nike And Ukactive Take Active School Hero Programme Nationwide
Nike and ukactive Kids have announced the England-wide roll out of their campaign to champion primary school staff who inspire physical activity among children.
The pair launched their Active School Hero Award for the third year, expanding its reach across England from its ‘previous focus’ of London and Birmingham.
Backed by Team GB Paralympic Champion Richard Whitehead, and British hurdler and Olympics hopeful Jessie Knight – who is currently balancing her track career with her job as a primary school teacher in Surrey – the Active School Hero Award is now open for nominations and will see finalists nominated from across all nine English regions, before an overall winner is announced at a special ceremony in July.
“You don’t have to be an athlete to inspire kids to be active – there are unsung heroes in every school who inspire pupils to experience the fun and enjoyment of physical activity every day,” said Knight.
“Being active is so important for our children’s physical and mental health, helping them to lead happier, healthier lives, and also building their social skills and confidence.
“I have the pleasure of seeing first-hand the positive mindset that school staff bring to young people through physical activity, and I want every community to celebrate this by nominating an Active School Hero today.”
Huw Edwards, CEO, ukactive, said: “Schools and their staff have faced such a challenging year but despite this there are incredible examples of heroes in every school helping to keep children positive through physical activity.
“Being active has a profound impact on our children’s health and happiness, so Active School Hero gives us all the opportunity to recognise the unsung heroes that have helped to keep pupils active, particularly amid the disruption of the pandemic.
“We know that when children are not in school during the holidays their activity levels fall, meaning this year the role played by school staff is even more vital for their physical and mental health.
“Let’s celebrate every Active School Hero for the energy and positivity they bring.”
Dan Burrows, Senior Director of Social & Community Impact, EMEA, Nike, said: “When it comes to getting kids excited about – and committed to – playing sports, school staff can make all the difference. That’s why as part of Nike’s Made to Play commitment to get kids moving, we’re proud to partner with ukactive for a third year to celebrate the heroes in primary schools across the country.
“Rising to unprecedented challenges, these extraordinary individuals have gone above and beyond to remove barriers and create more inclusive environments so that all kids have the opportunity to access and benefit from play and sport.”
