Special Olympics Great Britain in partnership with London Marathon Events will be launching the first-ever Special Olympics Unified Mile this May.

This exciting event will be part of the Vitality Westminster Mile, the world’s largest timed mile, on Sunday, 26 May 2019.

Taking place on a spectacular course that starts on The Mall and finishes in front of Buckingham Palace, The Special Olympics Unified Mile is sure to be an unforgettable day.

With a sprinkling of celebrity faces taking part to spur us along the way, The Special Olympics Unified Mile is open to anyone – runners and non runners.

Just like the Special Olympics movement itself, this event is not about elite sport. Running, walking, skipping or jumping are all acceptable ways to complete the mile.

Everyone is welcome to join our Special Olympics athletes, their families, friends and supporters in what will be a truly inclusive experience for all.

The organisers of the Vitality Westminster Mile have offered Special Olympics a dedicated wave in the Mile, free of charge, as part of its commitment to highlight social inclusion as a key message of the event.

Michelle Carney, CEO Special Olympics Great Britain said: “We are absolutely delighted to join forces with the legendary London Marathon team and take part in this brilliant event. Unity and inclusion are two of the driving forces of our movement and a huge part of what our athletes and their families strive for on a daily basis. Not only will the Unified Mile raise awareness of our charity and raise some money for us, it is sure to be a fun day out too.”

Please show support for Special Olympics and our amazing athletes by signing up and coming along with your friends and family for a fun day of celebration.

Details can be found on our website www.specialolympicsgb.org.uk

The Special Olympics Unified Mile will take place during the late morning of Sunday, 26 May at 11.40am. The full programme for the day includes family and adult races, school races, the British Age Group Road Mile Championships for runners in the Under 13 to Under 20 age groups and elite races. The Olympians Mile brings together athletes who have competed for Great Britain in any sport in an Olympic Games (summer or winter).

The Festival will be packed with free family-friendly activities including coaching sessions in a range of sports and the giant Tumbleator with spot prizes on offer. Special Olympics will also be there with a host of activities and Unified events all day. There will also be plenty of places to picnic with a range of food on sale.

Please join us on Sunday 26 May in what will be a celebration of inclusion!

  • Special Olympics Great Britain (GB) is a non-profit charity which provides year-round sports coaching and athletic competition in summer and winter sports for children and adults with Intellectual disabilities.
  • There are an estimated 1.5 million people with an Intellectual Disability in Great Britain and that number is predicted to rise.
  • The Special Olympics are an IOC recognised organisation founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver and this year, is celebrating its 50 th Anniversary.
  • Unlike the Olympics and Paralympics, Special Olympics differs in that it aims to offer opportunities for athletes of all abilities to take part in a range of sport every day of the week, every week of the year.
  • Special Olympics GB currently has more than 120 accredited programmes in England, Scotland and Wales and provides coaching and competition opportunities in 28 sports. These programmes are run by over 4,000 volunteers who support thousands of the athletes with Intellectual disabilities to take part.
  • Special Olympics GB is more than just an opportunity to take part in sport – it transforms lives. It provides opportunities to increase confidence, realise potential, develop physical fitness and mental well-being, demonstrate courage and experience new friendships. And above all for both athletes and their families – to have some FUN.
  • The work of Special Olympics GB is currently funded by individual, trust and corporate donations and financial support is crucial to enable us to continue our work.

For further information visit www.specialolympicsgb.org.uk