Sainsbury’s Backs 2015 School Games

Sainsbury’s has launched its support for the 2015 School Games, with Ellie Simmonds beginning a national tour to encourage children to take part in this year’s event.

The swimmer joined local schoolchildren at the Manchester Aquatics Centre for the first of a series of events across the UK aimed at raising awareness of this year’s Sainsbury’s School Games.

The annual multi-sport event is returning to Manchester for the second year in a row, with 1,500 young people set to compete across 12 sports this September.

Simmonds, who competed at the Sainsbury’s School Games on her way to Paralympic glory, said: “The Sainsbury’s School Games are important to motivate and inspire millions of young people across the country to take part in school sport.  The Games have provided a great stepping stone for elite athletes like me, and I’m sure there will be future stars competing in Manchester this year.

“I’m now training in Manchester, so I’ve had the pleasure of seeing how good the facilities are, and it’s great for the city to host the Sainsbury’s School Games once again. I encourage young people to celebrate sport this summer and get involved.”

The Paralympic star took part in an hour-long swimming lesson with pupils from St. John’s RC Primary School in Chorlton, as part of a national push to encourage young people to take part in this year’s event.

The Sainsbury’s School Games are a unique opportunity to motivate and inspire millions of young people across the country to take part in more competitive school sport.

The Games are a series of multi-sport events held across the UK, including regional inter-school competitions in Greater Manchester. The best young athletes from across the UK will then head to Manchester in September for the Level 4 Sainsbury’s School Games, which take place from the 3^rd to 6^th September at venues across the city.

As well as supporting the Sainsbury’s School Games, the retailer has donated over £150 million worth of equipment and experiences through its Active Kids scheme since it began in 2005. The brand is also the major events partner of British Athletics.