If you're already feeling hyped up for the Olympics, get some practice by taking to the streets on July 8
Special Olympics Ambassador Anna Hemmings
No running places left, but lots of room for spectators as 25,000 runners get ready to gather for The British 10K powered by Nike+ London Run on July 8, 2012.
The event will raise money for charities including Special Olympics Great Britain, official charity partner for the run, with funds helping children and adults nationwide with intellectual disabilities.
The Nike+ British 10K London Run takes place just 19 days before the start of the Olympic Games. The course passes the city’s best-known landmarks including Big Ben, the London Eye, Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.
Special Olympics Ambassadors and British Olympians Darren Campbell MBE, Katharine Merry, BBC-TV’s Graham Bell (five time Olympic skier), Anna Hemmings MBE (six time world champion and Olympic canoeist), with SKY TV’s Chris Kamara, and former M People singer Heather Small have all signed up to support Special Olympics.
Katharine Merry, a Special Olympics Ambassador since 2007, says, 'I had never met someone with intellectual disabilities before I became an Ambassador with Special Olympics – their athletes inspire me. A 10K is a very doable distance for anyone and a great way to raise money for a charity that makes such a difference in people's lives.'
In Great Britain there are an estimated 1.2 million people with intellectual disabilities. They will face discrimination all their life. Taking part in regular sports activities gives people with intellectual disabilities the chance to get fit and gives them a sense of empowerment, competence and acceptance. They feel proud and so does their family.
The charity hopes to raise over £500,000 to reach out to help transform the lives of children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
