UK: a golden day for Save the Children supporters

The date on my ticket into the Olympic Stadium may have read 1 April, but this was no April fool.

Along with a group of fantastic Save the Children supporters, I got the chance to walk on the Olympic track, just four months before the world’s best athletes gather in the very same place to compete for the coveted Olympic Gold medal.

This was all part of a very special fundraising event called Gold Challenge. In celebration of this year’s games in London, thousands of people have been taking on Olympic and Paralympic-themed challenges to raise money for charity.

The Gold Challenge stadium event was a chance to reward everyone who has been running, cycling, swimming, and even windsurfing, to help raise vital funds.

Making history

As we took our seats, it was amazing to think that very soon the eyes of the world would be on this stadium and it was great that Save the Children could be part of London’s Olympic history.

The day was full of sporting events as well of lots of entertainment, including performances from Britain’s Got Talent winners ‘Spellbound’.

Everyone who had taken part in the Gold Challenge had the chance to compete in their very own race on the Olympic track. It was brilliant to see teams from our amazing corporate partners GlaxoSmithKline and Reckitt Benckiser competing in the 100m.

Two of our fantastic Save the Children supporters, Mark Choi and Tristram Smith, who have been busy raising lots of money for our work, also took part in a 100m race. We certainly made lots of noise for them all from the stand.

Celebrations

Then it was our turn to warm up the track as part of the Charity Parade. As we walked out into the Olympic Stadium with 150 other charities, our Save the Children banner ablaze, and the sound of Bohemian Rhapsody playing loudly, you couldn’t help but feel rather emotional.

There was a great sense of unity and festivity, and there was even a surprise marriage proposal.

And before you ask, yes, we did take the opportunity to do our very own Usain Bolt celebrations!

However, most of all it was a chance to say thank you to everyone who has dedicated their time, money and lots of aching muscles to help organisations like Save the Children.

So, we want to say a big THANK YOU too, we couldn’t do it without you!

Find out how you can fundraise for us