THANK YOU for supporting the Special Olympics GB 2.6 Challenge

On Sunday 26 April, the organisers of many of the UK’s mass-participation sports events, including the London Marathon and Vitality Westminster Mile, launched The 2.6 Challenge. Here’s a massive THANK YOU to everyone who took on The 2.6 Challenge and helped raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics GB.

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a catastrophic effect on UK charities with so many fundraising events being cancelled resulting in the loss of £millions in fundraising income. UK charities play a vital role in the lives of so many people, delivering support and services which are not provided by the public sector. The 2.6 Challenge was a fantastic and fun way for everyone to - help save the UK’s charities.

People of all ages and abilities across the UK got involved. Our wonderful Special Olympics GB community attempted all sorts of challenges while having a lot of fun and we are absolutely delighted so many of you joined us on The 2.6 Challenge. Here are some highlights:

Niall Guite, one of SOGB’s Athlete Leaders from Sheffield set his 2.6 Challenge to draw 26 football stadiums. The drawings are fantastic, Manchester City has already bid to buy the Etihad Stadium and Niall has raised over £1,000. Special Olympics GB's Board Member Emma Rose and family went to a huge effort completing over 8 different 2.6 Challenges including a blind tasting of 26 different foods followed by 26 reps of 26 exercises!  Ben Baker and his Dad, Andy, did a 3-legged 2.6 mile walk, Jack Rayson managed 26 basketball hoops in quick succession, Lyn Dumbleton walked her dog for 26 minutes, young India Mann did an assault course round her garden 26 times and our wonderful Ambassador Jim Carter juggled for 26 hours (oops minutes).

Supporters have been cycling their fastest, running their furthest, holding a plank for their longest as well as kitchen dancing, throwing wet sponges, air swimming, skipping and one wonderful volunteer ran round his local park wearing a dinosaur costume. We hope everyone has enjoyed being part of the UK’s 2.6 Challenge and many congratulations to everyone who took part, a huge round-of-applause and, as Ian Harper said in 26 languages for his 2.6 Challenge, ‘Thank you’ from Special Olympics GB.