Olympic Gold Challenge Event Confirmed
Gold Challenge, one of the official London 2012 legacy projects, has been confirmed by the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games as the host of a test event in the Olympic Stadium for 20,000 spectators on Sunday 1st April 2012.
Gold Challenge is partnered with Team GB / British Olympic Association and Sport England as part of the official Places People Play sporting legacy programme and is the UK’s first Olympic and Paralympic sport based charity challenge.
The Gold Challenge event will offer the opportunity for members of the public to run the 100m or the 4 x 100m in the Olympic Stadium watched by friends, family and a crowd of 20,000.
They will be among the first people in the world to run the 100m on the track that will see the stars of Team GB and ParalympicsGB compete against world class Olympic and Paralympic athletes in the summer of 2012.
Team GB legends, celebrity ambassadors and representatives from over 150 UK charity partners will come together, with several thousand children and adults able to take part in a Gold Challenge Parade.
The event will culminate in a number of celebrity and athlete races and a show.
Lord Coe, LOCOG chairman said: ‘We are delighted that Gold Challenge is hosting this event and giving LOCOG the opportunity to test the Olympic Stadium ahead of July 2012. It is a fitting way to say thank you to those who have been inspired by the Games to get active and also raise money for charity.’
Dan Thompson, Gold Challenge executive chairman and founder commented: ‘I am thrilled that Gold Challenge is hosting this important event in the lead up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games. What greater inspiration to take up a challenge and raise money for charity than a chance to go to the Olympic Stadium.’
Sport England’s Chair, Richard Lewis, added: “We’re proud to be working with Gold Challenge to motivate people to get involved in sport. The chance to run in the Olympic Stadium will be both a powerful incentive to take up a challenge and a great reward for everyone who has raised money for charity through Gold Challenge.’
The event will also mark an important step for the Olympic Stadium as the venue prepares for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The highest fundraisers in various categories on 29th February 2012 will compete in the Stadium and be able to join in the Gold Challenge Ceremony.
Some places for Gold Challenge participants will also be made available by ballot and there will a number of places for schools.
Joe Healey raising money for Cancer Research said: ‘It’s really great to get involved in the Gold Challenge. The whole Olympic movement has inspired me to challenge myself, and enter multiple events to try to help reach my goal of raising £5000 for Cancer Research.’
Susannah Gill raising money for Prostate Cancer added: ‘It’s really great to be involved in the Gold Challenge at a time when everyone in the country is getting excited about the Olympics. It really makes you feel you’re part of the Olympic movement while raising money for good causes.’
