SportsAid Week: 24-30 September

What is SportsAid all about?

SportsAid helps over 1,000 athletes across more than 60 sports each year, the majority aged 12 to 18, by providing them with an average award of £1,000. SportsAid Week is a fundraising drive designed to support the next generation of athletes striving to represent Team GB and ParalympicsGB at future Olympic and Paralympic Games.

All the money raised assists young sports stars with training and competition costs, including equipment, accommodation and transport, during the critical early stages of their careers. The initiative also acts as an opportunity to shine a spotlight on SportsAid and the work the charity does to provide athletes and their parents with support at the beginning of the talent pathway.

How do I get involved?

Signing up for a fundraising pack is the best first step towards getting involved in SportsAid Week! It really is up to you as to how you show your support - whether it's on your own or with friends, family and colleagues. You decide the size of your event - no matter how big or small. Here's a few ideas to get you started on planning your activity...

• The #MyMiles Challenge (more below!)
• Sponsored bike rides, rows, runs, swims, walks and team triathlons
• Bake sales
• Healthy eating challenges
• Sports quizzes
• Athlete demonstrations
• Fancy dress days
• Bucket collections
• Raffles

Need more inspiration? A wide range of activity was undertaken across the country for SportsAid Week 2017 - check out last year's review to help form your plans for September!

The #MyMiles Schools Challenge

SportsAid Week is joining up with the European Week of Sport to encourage young people to #BeActive through the #MyMiles Schools Challenge. Schools are able to get involved by asking every pupil to complete a minimum of one mile in SportsAid Week.

This can be in a PE lesson, at lunchtime or during an after school activity, with all pupils encouraged to donate £1 to take part. There will be a dedicated #MyMiles Schools Day on Tuesday 25 September, but if that doesn't work for you, choose any date within the week.

SportsAid has produced a simple-to-follow guide - FREE to download here - on how schools can take part in the #MyMiles challenge.

How does Fundraising help?

The money you raise during SportsAid Week will help to support athletes in many different ways - no matter how big or small the amount! They don't just feel the impact of SportsAid's backing financially though - they also see the award as a motivational boost and a recognition of their talent as they look to progress forward with their careers.

• £5 will help one of Britain's best young athletes get to their next training session
• £10 will help a disabled footballer purchase new shinpads
• £25 will help a young gymnast pay for a pair of wrist supports
• £50 will help a young kayaker replace a damaged helmet
• £100 will help a young athlete visit a physio for rehabilitation from an injury
• £500 will help a young boxer travel to their next major international competition
• £1,000 will provide a full year's worth of support for a SportsAid athlete