Marathon training for youngsters before Olympics

Date: 24/05/2012. Story submitted by: SuzanneRutter

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Young volunteers from across Sheffield will be putting their volunteering skills to the test at a 3K charity fun run in preparation for a once in a lifetime role at London 2012.

Members of the Sheffield Academy of Young Leaders (SAYLs) are assisting the organisers of Sheffield’s Great 3K Fun Run, part of the SIG Insulations Sheffield Half Marathon.

The youngsters, aged between 16 and 18, are gearing up to travel to London for the 2012 Olympics as part of the Young Games Makers Programme, where they will work as volunteers to assist in the running of the Games.

Members of SAYLs will work as marshals at the Fun Run and some will also be taking part in the event alongside friends, family and supporters to help raise part of the £25,000 the charity needs to allow the group to attend the Games.

Jay Roper, development manager at SAYLs, said: “The team is really looking forward to helping out at the Fun Run and it will be a great chance for them to work together in a volunteering capacity.

“SAYLs are incredibly proud to be representing the youth of Sheffield and South Yorkshire at the Olympic Games in terms of volunteering and it really is a brilliant opportunity for the youngsters involved, allowing them to experience something they will carry with them their whole lives.”

SAYLs provides a volunteering and leadership network for young people of school age and beyond in Sheffield.

Margaret Lilley, chair of the Sheffield Half Marathon organising committee, said: “It is fantastic that SAYLs have the opportunity to attend the Olympic Games as volunteers, and I’m sure the experience they will gain at Don Valley Stadium on race day will help them in their preparation for their work in London.”

The 3k Fun Run will take place on Sunday alongside the half marathon at Don Valley Stadium.

There are still places available for the Fun Run and entry is available until 8am on race day. The main race will take runners through the city centre.

Additional info

Address: Worksop Road Sheffield South Yorkshire S9 3TL

Tags: Don Valley Stadium; Sheffield Academy of Young Leaders; SIG Insulations Sheffield Half Marathon

Web link: http://www.sheffieldmarathon.com