The Coventry Children’s Mile event returned this weekend with almost 500 children from 16 Coventry primary schools taking part.
As well as students, dozens of volunteers gave up their time to support the fundraising event at War Memorial Park.
Alongside raising much needed money for important causes, the event was designed to encourage children to stay active, particularly those from hard-to-reach areas.
The event supported Team Coventry by raising funds for travel costs for the team to compete in the International Children’s Games which is taking place in Daegu, South Korea next month after being hosted in Coventry in 2022.
Athletes, coaches and supporters of Team Coventry came along too and helped with organisation, marshalling and most importantly cheering participants on.
Not only were funds raised for Team Coventry, but funds have also been raised by the event for local charity, Three Spires Family Support Trust.
This year, the Coventry Children’s Mile was also part of the wider Go Parks scheme, which aims to promote activity in parks and greenspaces while encouraging physical activity across schools city-wide.
All participants received a souvenir event t-shirt and certificate of participation while the mile route was fully accessible for all abilities.
Plans are now underway for the Coventry Children’s Mile 2024 and a ‘save the date’ will be released in the coming weeks.
Councillor Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport, said: “What a great turn-out we had for the Children’s Mile. It is absolutely brilliant that almost 500 children got active together in the park and from so many schools.
“The event was held to fundraise for two worthy causes which will help local people, including 18 young athletes in their journey to compete in the International Children’s Games in South Korea to represent our city.
“Thank you to all who have supported the causes so far and a huge congratulations to all who took part in 2023’s Coventry Children’s Mile.”
The Coventry Children’s Mile 2023 is a partnership between Coventry City Council, CV Life and Coventry’s School Games Organisers.
Stuart Bird, Business Process Manager, CV Life, said: “It was amazing to have the first run after a break due to the pandemic and have almost 500 young people from 16 Coventry primary schools run the mile.
“Some were running for their best time, some running for fun, some jogging or walking with friends.
“To be able to put on an event like this in partnership with Coventry City Council and School Games with the support of the parks team and the invaluable volunteers makes all the preparation worth it to see those smiles.
“We also want to thank all the teachers, adults and supporters who made it possible for the young people to be at the run.”
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