Sport Relief 2014 Pictures: Thousands flock to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in blur of red
Pool party. The Aquatics Centre was awash with celebrities competing in swimming races for Sports Relief. From left with one of the medals competitors received are former World and Commonwealth champion swimmer Karen Pickering MBE, BBC property show presenter Martin Roberts, BBC newscaster Louis Minchin, Blue Peter presenter Radzi Chinyanganya, former Olympic gold-medal winning swimmer Duncan Goodhew MBE and former EastEnders actress Kierston Wareing. - Credit: Archant
Thousands turned out to compete alongside Olympians, Paralympians and a host of famous faces in order to make money for Sport Relief over the weekend.
Olympic gold-medal winning cyclist Victoria Pendleton - Credit: Archant
Runners, swimmers and cyclists flocked to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in a blur of red, with the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games leading the charge for the charity in Newham.
Wacky racers. Runners flood past the London Aquatics Centre - Credit: Archant
Also around the borough, schools and clubs did their part to help support the good cause – as they did in towns and cities nationwide – with the overall total standing at more than £53million so far.
Sky news presenter Dermot Murnaghan, TV personality Katie Price and wildlife presenter Steve Backshall saddle up at Lee Valley VeloPark - Credit: Archant
A wealth of stars did their bit for Sport Relief at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, ranging from Olympic champion cyclist Victoria Pendleton to model Katie Price.
Activities included everything from running, cycling and swimming at the world-class facilities next-door to Stratford.
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British swimmer Duncan Goodhew took charge of aquatic altruists at the London Aquatics Centre swimathon while Victoria Pendleton oversaw activities at Lee Valley VeloPark’s outdoor road circuit.
She said described the atmosphere in the park as “electric”, adding: “I was surprised at how moving it was to see so many people doing their bit and getting active for people in need, it has really captured the spirit of our generous nation.”
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Duncan Goodhew MBE, said: “This has been an incredible weekend, with a brilliant turnout at pools all over the country.
“I’ve met all kinds of amazing fundraisers pushing their abilities to help raise money for Sport Relief and couldn’t be more proud of their efforts, which will make such a huge difference to people’s lives.”
The charity, part of Comic Relief, raises money for young people both in the UK and abroad, providing shelter, fresh water and vaccines to those living on the streets as well as helping domestic abuse sufferers.
Comic Relief chief executive Kevin Cahill, said: “We would like to thank the British public for their extraordinary compassion and generosity.
“They continue to amaze us and we’re forever in their debt. The money they’ve donated will change lives both here in the UK and across the world.”
Click on the link below to see a gallery of pictures from the day.
