Some of the UK’s top sports stars and organisations have pledged their support for the national ‘Thank You Day’ which is set to take place on Sunday 4th July.
Grassroots clubs and sport for development organisations are being encouraged to hold participation and celebration events on the day, as a way of showing gratitude to the army of fans, volunteers and support workers who have helped them, their sports and communities keep going throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
Governing bodies and elite competitions in football, rugby, cricket, tennis, and a host of other high-profile sports, are also using the campaign to acknowledge the vital role that fans and grassroots system play in sustaining them. The challenges of the pandemic have brought into sharp relief just how critical this support is.
England football captain Harry Kane, who is preparing to lead his team into the European Championships, said: “As a squad we have a big summer ahead but before we kick off we wanted to be part of saying thank you to everyone who has got us through the past 18 months.
“We all have people to be grateful for and the national 'Thank You Day' is a moment we're proud to be a part of. Whoever you're thanking, join your neighbours and communities and say thank you together.”
Gary Lineker, BBC Sport presenter and former England footballer, said; “It's a big summer of sport, but there is one fixture not in the sporting calendar I want to highlight.
“On Sunday 4th July, all sports fans should come together and celebrate Thank You Day, as an opportunity to express their gratitude to all those who have helped keep sport going, anyone else that has supported them, and to start the process of helping sport, and its communities, to getting back to being a normal, everyday part of people’s lives.
“Coming together on Thank You Day is not only important in recognising the efforts that have helped keep sport going, but to also recognise the importance of sport as a force for good in community, education and health as we move forward.”
England Rugby Union head coach Eddie Jones said: “At England Rugby we are very happy to mark Thank You Day and recognise the exceptional work done at grassroots level across the country, in rugby and in all sports.
“We know it has been a tough time for everyone and sport has a special way of lifting and uniting people. To those who have dedicated their time to keeping grassroots sport going, giving people an outlet and something to look forward to, thank you. We look forward to recognising your contributions at Twickenham before our game against the USA.”
Scottish tennis star Jamie Murray OBE, the seven-time Grand Slam doubles winner and Davis Cup champion, said: “Sport and physical activity is so important and has kept many of us going throughout the pandemic. I’d like to thank all the community coaches and volunteers that have supported our young people. I’m looking forward to celebrating with the rest of the nation on July 4th.”
Sports events and competitions will also show their thanks. The Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final on June 26th will see 500 emergency workers invited – including May Parsons, the nurse who administered the world’s first Covid-19 vaccine – while the Wimbledon’s ‘middle Sunday’ will also support the celebrations on July 4th.
Ian Hewitt, Chairman of the All-England Lawn Tennis Club which hosts the Championships, commented: “I am delighted that we will be playing our part in saying thank you to those who have gone above and beyond during this past year in helping us to emerge from this crisis safely, and with optimism for the future.”
British Paralympic Association CEO Mike Sharrock, commented: “The pandemic has been particularly tough for disabled people and as our athletes prepare once again to inspire and unite the nation through the power of sport at the Toyko 2020 Paralympic Games this summer, we’d like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who has supported us over the past 18 months.
“Let’s make Sunday 4th July a day when we all come together to help create a kinder, more connected country.”
ACTIVITY
Hundreds of community sport clubs, physical activity groups and charities are getting involved with Thank You Day. Here are just a few examples:
- Warrington LiveWire: SERVES tennis tournament and family sports day
- North Paddington Youth Club: Indoor basketball tournament
- New York Community: Football sessions in the community
- Hop On (Yorkshire): Bike ride
- ActiveNewham: Walking group followed by picnic in the park
- Inspired-Succeed CIC: Inviting everyone to take part in a football session
- Living Sport Summer 10K and 5K: Offering free race places to charities, as a thank you for their work and so they fundraise to help more people
- Pro Touch SA: Football tournament with food and friends
Read more about Thank You Day and find out how to get involved.
