ON YOUR MARKS and GET SET… It’s nearly time for Sport Relief!

Phoebe Lill, Schools Fundraising Manager for Sport Relief, suggests ten top tips to help schools and families warm up for the event.

Sport Relief – which is coming up from 9–13 March – is a unique opportunity for children to get active, have fun, raise money and change lives.

We’re very aware of all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes for an event like Sport Relief. Whether you’re a parent baking into the wee small hours or a teacher shepherding 30 reception children around the Sport Relief Mile, we’re hugely grateful for your efforts.

Please rest assured that every penny you raise this March will be used to change countless lives, both here in the UK and worldwide. Sport Relief money funds amazing organisations that are tackling some of the most pressing issues of our time, including homelessness, mental health stigma and domestic abuse.

The bonus is that taking part in Sport Relief is a great experience for children. It’s an exciting, memorable day when everyone comes together to make a difference through the power of sport. As well as being great fun, it’s a fantastic opportunity to develop children’s empathy and help them understand that they have the potential to take action and change things for the better.

TO KICK THINGS OFF…

You’ll find everything you need at sportrelief.com/schools/primary. Whether you’re a teacher, parent or pupil, get online and start exploring all the exciting resources on offer!

TOP TEN TIPS FOR SPORT RELIEF SUCCESS

Keen to take part? Here are our top ten tips to make sure your children’s Sport Relief goes with a bang!

1. Get the date on the calendar. This year the Sport Relief fun and games are set to begin on Monday 9 March, culminating on Friday 13 March with TV programmes on CBBC and the live telethon in the evening.

2. Make sure children understand why they’re raising money for Sport Relief. There’s a short film on the Sport Relief website about Cameron, a boy who experienced homelessness and now campaigns to help other children. Talk together about Cameron’s story – check out the learning poster and activities for more information and ideas. Explain that the money you raise for Sport Relief will be used to help people worldwide and in your own community.

3. Look out for Sport Relief wristbands on sale. Just £1 to buy, there’s no simpler (and cooler!) way for children to show their support and kick-start fundraising. If you’re a teacher, why not sell wristbands in school? With our special offer, you can pay a deposit of £6.50 for a box of 20, then settle up later. (order from: www.sportrelief.com/wristbands)

4. If your school is organising a Sport Relief healthy snack sale, start preparing tasty treats with the children. You’ll find a range of savoury and sweet recipes on the Sport Relief website – all easy to make and good for you.

5. Children across the country will be making a donation to dress up as their sporting hero or wear sports kit on Friday 13th. To save a last-minute panic on the day, start planning outfits in advance and prepare to accessorise with face paint, wigs, deely boppers, ribbons, cheerleading pom poms, medals…

6. Get creative with the children – there are lots of ideas and templates for things to make on the Sport Relief website. You could make bunting and flags to decorate your home or the classroom and corridors. Or how about using our template for a trainer-shaped money box to add excitement to collecting sponsorship money?

7. This year’s official Sport Relief school song is a catchy number called It’s Game On! Why not learn it with the children, singing along to the video on the Sport Relief website? If you want to take your music-making really seriously, you can download the lyrics and sheet music. You’ll even find a Makaton translation to get the children communicating through sign and song.

8. The Sport Relief Mile is the perfect excuse for everyone to get in shape together. If your school is planning to run the Mile this year, get your running shoes on and organise training sessions with the children in the run-up to the big event.

9. Help out on the day. If you’re a parent, find out what your school is going to do for Sport Relief and offer your support. Could you help to supervise the Sport Relief mile? Could you organise a healthy snack sale? Or just shake a bucket at the school gate?

10. At the end of Friday 13th, sit down with friends and family to watch a massive night of entertainment live on the BBC, knowing that together you’ve played an active part in changing people’s lives for the better.

We hope the ideas here have inspired you to join in from 9–13 March and get set now to go, go, go! Have fun and a massive thank you for all your support. We’re excited to have you on the Sport Relief team.

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