As its name suggests, the Gold Challenge – one of the official London 2012 legacy projects – on April 1 will seek to get the public involved in raising money for more than 150 nominated charities by taking part in challenges involving a wide range of Olympic sports before offering some of them the chance of a lifetime.

The highest fundraisers in each of the three suggested categories as at February 29, 2012, will compete in the Olympic Stadium, running either the 100 metres or the 4x100m in front of a crowd that is expected to exceed 20,000.

Around 1,000 children and adults will be involved in the track activities and another 4,000 are expected to take part in the Gold Challenge Parade which will also form a part of the day.

The event, which is partnered with Team GB/British Olympic Association and Sport England as part of the official Places People Play sporting legacy programme, will culminate in a number of races involving celebrity ambassadors and Team GB legends, including Olympic 1992 400 metres hurdles champion Sally Gunnell, pictured above at the official launch with London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe, himself a double Olympic gold medallist. 

Some places for Gold Challenge participants will also be made available by ballot and there will a number of places for schools.

Tickets for the event will also go on sale in early 2012.

The Gold Challenge day will also mark an important step for the Olympic Stadium as the venue prepares for the Olympics and Paralympic Games, offering valuable operational information in terms of security and getting people in and out of the stadium.

By the end of 2012, Gold Challenge aims to have encouraged 100,000 people to complete personal sporting challenges, raising £20 million ($32 million/€23 million)  for charity in the process.

Joe Healey, who is raising money for Cancer Research, said "It's really great to get involved in the Gold Challenge.

"The whole Olympic Movement has inspired me to challenge myself, and enter multiple events to try to help reach my goal of raising £5,000 ($8,015/€5,813) for Cancer Research."

Susannah Gill, raising money for Prostate Cancer, commented: "It's really great to be involved in the Gold Challenge at a time when everyone in the country is getting excited about the Olympics.

"It really makes you feel you're part of the Olympic movement while raising money for good causes!"


Emily Oulton, 12, and Joseph Oulton, 10, raising money for WWF, said: "We are so excited about the Olympic Games coming to London and are talking about it a lot at school.

"We are really enjoying doing Gold Challenge with our family and at the same time helping to save endangered animals."

Hugh Robertson, Minister for Sport and the Olympics said: "I'm pleased that Gold Challenge has been selected as a test event ahead of London 2012.

"What greater incentive for people to get involved than an opportunity to run on the track in the iconic Olympic Stadium for charity."

Coe, the London 2012 chairman, said, "We are delighted that Gold Challenge is hosting this event and giving LOCOG the opportunity to test the Olympic Stadium ahead of July 2012.

"It is a fitting way to say thank you to those who have been inspired by the Games to get active and also raise money for charity."

Andy Hunt, Team GB Chef de Mission and British Olympic Association chief executive said: "We are delighted to partner Gold Challenge to give members of the public this fantastic opportunity and thank them for trying new sports and fundraising."

To take part in the Gold Challenge Stadium event participants should click here. 

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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