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June 22, 2022
With just under a week to go until the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games in England, its official charities have teamed up to launch the Move 22 Challenge. The initiative organised by Sport Relief, United by 2022 and the Commonwealth Sport Foundation looks “to inspire the nation to fundraise, donate and move for change” for the duration of the Games between 28 July and 8 August.
The Move 22 Challenge wants to spur people from across the UK, and globally, to participate and raise money by moving 22 miles over the 12-day span of the Games. The challenge can be achieved in a variety of ways including walking, running, swimming, cycling or any other creative form of activity. Additionally, participants have a chance to either complete the challenge by themselves or compete against others in races.
Birmingham 2022 is aiming to be the most inclusive Games on record with a massive social impact on its host city as well as across the UK. Proceeds raised from the Move 22 Challenge will help tackle inequality, improve mental health and help young people to “survive and thrive”.
In 2019, Birmingham had the highest share of residents living in the most deprived areas with 43% of people living in areas that are ranked in the 10% of most deprived areas in the UK. Additionally, with over 40% of Birmingham’s youth growing up in poverty, the city is falling behind on education. Furthermore, rates of poor mental health in the UK have increased since the pandemic, with 1 in 6 people reporting symptoms of mental health problems, like anxiety and depression, in any given week.
The initiative is part of a wider ‘It’s Game On’ effort which is made up of a series of activations that will run throughout the Games. Four initiatives, including the challenge, are all aimed at raising funds for charities to combat inequality and poor mental health.
In conjunction with the Move 22 Challenge, Sport Relief, Birmingham 2022 and the BBC are kicking off a one-off All-Star version of the Commonwealth Games. Two celebrity teams captained by Ellie Simmonds OBE and Dame Kelly Holmes will go head-to-head to be crowned Sport Relief All-Star Games: Birmingham 2022 Champions. The special one-hour program will also raise donations for Sport Relief.
Another initiative will engage schools and children from across the country to raise money for the Sport Relief Lap of Hope. In addition to the campaign, schools will be able to download learning resources, which include the ongoing work that the Commonwealth is doing to improve the lives of its citizens. Children can also download free activities as part of a cross-curricular program designed for pupils aged 7-11 across the whole Commonwealth. These activities aim to educate on the Commonwealth’s work in improving access to high-quality education for youth, especially girls and young women.
The final initiative saw the selection of several inspirational individuals from across the UK to participate in the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay to celebrate their charity work, and to raise awareness of the organizations that have benefited from money raised by Sport Relief.
Register for the Move 22 Challenge here.
Join us to explore sport’s role in tackling inequalities, health and wellbeing and environmental sustainability at Beyond the Games in partnership with Sport England and UK Sport at Birmingham’s Villa Park 26th of July – just ahead of the Commonwealth Games. Secure your spot today.
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