The Colour Run event aims to provide a positive experience of sport and physical activity for young people - more specifically, those in school years 6,7, and 8 who have struggled with social isolation and anxiety following the Covid-19 pandemic.
The event provided a fun way for young people to re-integrate with their peers, to find and develop their resilience, meet new people, and improve their physical and mental wellbeing in an enjoyable and safe environment.
Following a warm-up led by Tanzii TV, the children set off on the 3.17km route around Milton Country Park in groups of 15. Throughout the route the air was filled with colour and the atmosphere was full of joy and laughter as the children were showered in a rainbow of the powder paint.
Alongside the Colour Run, an Event Village made up of many local partners and activity providers extended the experience and gave young people the opportunity to ‘have a go’ at new things and enabled them to access information on local activity options in a fun and informal way.
Particularly popular were the Smoothie Bikes from Outspoken Cycles where pupils used their pedal power to make their post-run refreshments and the large graffiti walls by Street Arts Hire which gave children the opportunity to share their views on physical activity in a creative way.
Megan Fey, School Sports Delivery Co-ordinator, said “It was so lovely to see the children enjoying themselves and having fun together. It was such a positive day and a great way to educate young people on the many physical and mental benefits of being active.
"We are hugely grateful to all who helped in supporting the event; our volunteers, partners and sponsors who helped make the day possible. We are especially thankful to Milton Country Park for hosting the event.”
Amy Anderson, PE Teacher at Thomas Clarkson Academy, said “We brought our students along today to have a really fun experience, especially after lockdown. It’s really good to be able to get them here, get them active and see them enjoying themselves.”
About the School Games
The School Games is a national initiative, funded by Sport England, which aims to inspire young people to take part in sport and physical activity opportunities. The School Games is a free offer to all primary, secondary and special schools. The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough School Games is co-ordinated by Living Sport and supported by School Games Organisers from the local School Sports Partnerships.
In Cambridgeshire and Peterborough the School Games focus on being fully inclusive and meeting the particular needs and demands of young people in the county, with particular emphasis on the under-represented and harder to reach groups. Youth voice and insight are embedded in to all delivery to ensure provision is shaped by young people, for young people.
To find out more about the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough School Games, please visit the local School Games website.
Colour Run Sponsors
Clip ‘n Climb Cambridge
Tesco (Milton Store)
Event Village Partners
Outspoken Cycles
Arco Iris Community Samba Band
Tanzii TV (warm up)
PECT
Fitness Rush Mobile Gym
Decathlon Cambridge
Street Art Hire
Clip ‘n Climb Cambridge
Everyone Health
Ping! Cambridgeshire
Volunteers/Supporters
Cambridge United Community Trust
CPTA
Marshall Group
Junior Adventures Group
Healthy You
Cambridge City Council
Cambourne Village College Sports Leaders
Impington Village College Sports Leaders