Over 300 people ran, skipped, danced and even roller-bladed their way around the University of Hull campus on Saturday as part of the ‘I am Team GB’ ‘5k your way’ event.
Participants were cheered off the start line by Team GB athletes and Tokyo 2020 medallists Bryony Page and Bradly Sinden, who also chatted to families and had photos taken with their medals.
The event formed part of the ‘I am Team GB’ programme of events taking place across the country, encouraging more people to get active and involved in sport.
It also captured the magic of Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, bringing a taste of the Olympic Games to families in Hull.
Bryony Page, Team GB athlete said: “‘I Am Team GB’ is such a fantastic concept. It’s a way the public can show their support for Team GB this summer – and it’s also a way for us athletes to say thank you. It’s all about having a go and who knows, we might even find the next Olympian.”
Bryony, who won a bronze medal in trampolining at Tokyo 2020, said: “I was delighted to support ‘I Am Team GB.’
“Given what has happened in the last year and a half, it was amazing to see so many people getting up and active and having a good time together.
“I Am Team GB’ represents a great opportunity for me, as a Team GB Olympian, to give back to the community that has done so much to support me on my journey as an athlete, and hopefully play a role in inspiring more people to get active, play Olympic sport and live healthier lifestyles.
“I Am Team GB’ is such a fantastic concept. It’s a way the public can show their support for Team GB this summer – and it’s also a way for us athletes to say thank you. It’s all about having a go and who knows, we might even find the next Olympian.”
Bryony was joined at the University of Hull by Bradly Sinden, who won a silver medal in taekwondo at the Olympic Games this summer.
Bradly and Bryony helped participants warm-up for the 5k races across campus, and cheered runners off the start line.
The ‘5k your way’ event, which took place on Saturday 14 August, also gave families the chance to try out a variety of sports, and enjoy activities including face painting, a bouncy castle and a BBQ.
Bradly said: “It’s been a whirlwind since we got back – no one can prepare you for what it’s like when you come back from a Games, with your family and everyone else.
“My mum is nothing but proud, and the rest of my family is the same. The local community and days like this show how much you have inspired people to take part in sport.”
Since it was announced in January 2019, the University’s partnership with Team GB has provided a diverse range of opportunities for staff and students – many of which go beyond a sports focus.
Recent activities have included the ‘I Am Team GB Festival of Sport’ and ‘Give It A Go’ event, which saw Olympic gymnast Beth Tweddle visit the University campus.
Other activities include an ongoing research project exploring British Olympic Champions of the past – the aim is to inspire current Team GB athletes to achieve success by connecting them to their athletic heritage – as well as a series of Team GB appearances where athletes have shared their personal goal-setting and medal-winning experiences with students.
Additional highlights include a marketing challenge for first-year Business School students, a family sports event for local schools and colleges, competitive internships opportunities for students and the opportunity to volunteer at Team GB ‘Kitting Out’ events.
The University’s partnership with Team GB includes the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games. The partnership is borne out of a synergy between the University’s ambitions and beliefs, and those of Team GB.
If you want to get involved, visit IAmTeamGB.com to find an event near you.
