Get your kids involved in the Paralympic Games
Paralympic fever is gripping children across the UK with over three quarters of British kids who have had the chance to try a Paralympic sport wanting to do it again, according to research by Sainsbury’s – the first ever Paralympics only sponsor.
The survey of British children aged 8-15 reveals their strength of knowledge around the Paralympic Games and their excitement about the Games coming to London this year. One in five kids surveyed knew that the Paralympics originated in the UK (The Games were founded at Stoke Mandeville hospital in 1948) and almost two thirds of children were able to specify a Paralympic event that they are looking forward to watching when the Games start on 29 August.
Knowing that so many British children are behind ParalympicsGB is what’s going to make the event even more special - we can’t wait to get out there and hopefully inspire a new generation.”
Jat Sahota, Head of sponsorship at Sainsbury’s said: “It’s great to see the whole nation getting really excited about the London 2012 Paralympic Games and we are proud to be leading the cheer through our unique sponsorship of the Games, our One Million Kids Challenge and our support for the ParalympicsGB Team. We believe this Paralympic Games is set to be the best ever.”
‘Super’ Saturday is dubbed 8 September which is set to be the most exciting day for young British Paralympic Games fans. Millions of pairs of children’s eyes will be glued to TV screens as the most highly anticipated event amongst kids is set to be Ellie Simmonds in the 100m freestyle, with one in five children saying they are most excited about watching this, followed closely by Oscar Pistorius in the Men’s 400m on the same day. Other events set to be popular amongst British children are Wheelchair Tennis and Cycling Track.
Paralympian and Active Kids ambassador, Ellie Simmonds said: “I can hardly believe the Paralympic Games 2012 is just around the corner and I’m completely overwhelmed by all the support and excitement that’s already brewing across the UK. Knowing that so many British children are behind ParalympicsGB is what’s going to make the event even more special - we can’t wait to get out there and hopefully inspire a new generation.”
Almost half of British parents questioned in a recent survey also commissioned by Sainsbury’s said their children are excited about the Paralympics coming to the capital. As part of its ongoing Active Kids scheme, Sainsbury’s Million Kids Challenge has worked with the British Paralympic Association and sent schools, clubs and organisations across the UK Paralympic Sports Kits, encouraging 2.4 million children to try Paralympic sports ahead of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
Children’s knowledge of Paralympic athletes is encouragingly strong, with one in five being able to identify their favourite British Paralympic athlete. The most popular British Paralympian amongst the children surveyed is Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, the 11-time gold medallist and former wheelchair racer. Ellie Simmonds, MBE, the Sainsbury’s Active Kids ambassador, who won two gold medals at the Beijing Paralympics aged just 13, came a close second and the ‘Blade-Runner,’ Oscar Pistorius, is the third most popular.
Tim Hollingsworth, CEO of The British Paralympic Association, said: “Working with Sainsbury’s to raise children’s awareness of Paralympics sports across the UK through the Million Kids Challenge really seems to have had an effect. It’s great to see young Paralympic fans emerging in Britain and being the host nation certainly has a huge part to play.”
Tell us what your children are most looking forward to watching in the Paralympic Games. Comment below or tweet us @FemaleFirst_UK
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Shabana Adam @Shabana_FAM
Tagged in Parenting Sainsburys Paralympic Games Parenting News