BLUE Mile 2010 to take place in Plymouth

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Plymouth will play host to next summer’s BLUE Mile charity event where thousands of people will complete one mile in, on or next to, water.

Surfers, sailors, swimmers, paddle-boarders, rowers and other sports-people of any age or ability are welcome to join together in the ‘race for the environment’. The aim is to get as many young people actively involved in sport and the environment and competitors can choose which charity they raise money for.

The announcement was made by Paul Deighton, Chief Executive of London 2012 at the historic Mayflower Steps in Plymouth.

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Also in attendance were the BLUE Ambassadors Sara Campbell, Bryony Shaw, Ben Skinner, Sam Davies and Conrad Humphreys, who founded the BLUE Project and came up with the idea of the BLUE Mile.

Speaking from the launch Paul Deighton said:
“People becoming inspired by this event will help continue building the excitement towards the Games in 2012 which are expected to transform lives and communities in the South West and deliver a discernable and lasting legacy to thousands of people in the region.”

Paul White, Operations Director added:
“One of the key aims of the event is to encourage people to give others the chance to take part, and it’s fantastic to see individuals already offering places to take new-comers out on the water in their own boats.”

Charity races themselves aren’t a unique concept but most take part on land. European longboard champion Ben Skinner said:
“It’s all about getting into the ocean and enjoying it for what it is, recognising that we need to keep it clean and respecting the fact that it provides us with an exciting and healthy lifestyle. After that, when you see someone throwing rubbish into the ocean, hopefully you will stop them.”

Sara Campbell, World Record holding Freediver agrees:
“This is a brilliant concept and a great opportunity for everybody to take part and appreciate the water environment.”

The city is planning to go all out for the BLUE event next year. Plymouth Hoe will be transformed into the city’s first natural sand beach to host a series of beach-related games. There will also be a BLUE village which will consist of practical learning events and activity zones.

The BLUE Mile is working in partnership with Plymouth City Council. Plymouth Council leader Vivien Pengelly said:
“I’m thrilled that Plymouth is hosting the first ever BLUE Mile. As a city boasting one of the world’s most spectacular natural harbours there could be no better starting point for one of our most important races to date – the race to protect our oceans and natural environment.”

The BLUE project are optimistic and see the event growing year on year. The BLUE mile aims to be repeated throughout the UK and internationally, with Plymouth being the forefront of the initiative.

For more information on how to get involved with the BLUE Mile visit the official website at:
www.thebluemile.org
You can also follow the latest BLUE Mile news on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/thebluemile

Danielle Lee, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine

Images courtesy of www.thebluemile.org ©Sport Environment/Roy Riley

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