Countdown to the Müller Anniversary Games

Ever since London 2012, the kids have taken a real interest in different sports, especially track and field and swimming events.

All my children have learned to swim from a young age, but seeing these athletes perform and knowing their swimming teacher used to swim competitively, has ignited a real passion in them, so much so that Isaac and Eliza are both now swimming for a swim club – something we had never heard of before.

Swimming Gala

The Müller Anniversary Games is one of the best events in the world and plays hosts to superstars from an array of sports.  Held across the weekend of Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd July 2018, at the London Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.  The event sees the very best in the world head to the British capital.  The Games form part of the prestigious IAAF Diamond League series.  First held back in 2013, the event is something of a legacy to London 2012 and celebrates its fifth edition this year.

Müller Anniversary Games Launch Event

Last week I was invited to attend the launch event with Mumsnet and British Athletics but sadly I couldn’t be there.

To celebrate the final countdown to the games, which are taking place at the London Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Park in Stratford, Mumsnet headed to Park Primary School near the stadium, to take part in an extra special sports lesson for the children with British stars Stef Reid and Reece Prescod.

Muller Games
LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 21: during the Muller Anniversary Games One Month To Go event on June 21, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images for Muller Anniversary Games)

World T44 long jump champion Stef Reid and British 100m champion Reece Prescod both visited Park Primary School in Newham today, where the two athletes led an active session with the school’s pupils.

During the visit Reid and Prescod – who is from Walthamstow, less than five miles from the school – put the pupils through their paces with a series of circuit-style exercises on a pop-up athletics track, with the morning’s action serving to encourage pupils of all sporting abilities to challenge themselves.

Reid and Prescod shared their passion for the sport and spoke about how their respective journeys in the sport have led them to representing Great Britain & Northern Ireland on the world stage.

The visit continues the countdown to the Müller Anniversary Games – with one month to go until the iconic annual event gets underway– and the athlete’s visit reinforces the message that the Games is a wholly inclusive event, showcasing both disability and non-disability sport.

Muller Games Mumsnet
LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 21: during the Muller Anniversary Games One Month To Go event on June 21, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images for Muller Anniversary Games)

World T44 long jump champion Stef Reid said:

I always enjoy the opportunity of inspiring the next generation – they are always really excited and enthusiastic which is brilliant to see. It is amazing how far Para sport has come since 2012, and the inclusivity of the Anniversary Games continues to promote this.”

“It’s always an honour to compete inside the London Stadium; it invokes special memories for me, particularly after winning the world title there last year. So to be able to come back to the location of that amazing day and give back in this way to the community is very important for me.”

British 100m champion Reece Prescod added:

I grew up not far from here so it is great to be able to give something back to the local community and hopefully our visit will inspire these school children to both follow athletics and give it a try, too. Six years on since London 2012, it is fantastic to see the legacy is still continuing; both in the local community and from a sport point of view with the Muller Anniversary Games.”

Headteacher Natasha Ttoffali commented:

Health and wellbeing and the legacy and values of London 2012 and last year’s World Championships are very important to us at the school, especially as we are so close to the London Stadium.

“The visit from two of Britain’s leading athletes was really inspiring for our students and staff and, from what I saw, we could have a few future Olympians and Paralympians at the school!

Some of Britain’s best para-athletics stars have already confirmed they will be competing at the Müller Anniversary Games, including multiple Paralympic gold medallists Libby Clegg, Richard Whitehead and Hannah Cockroft.

Also returning to the London Stadium next month will be some of the world’s best track and field athletes for one of the most highly-rated IAAF Diamond League meetings on the circuit, including Andre De Grasse and Christian Coleman in the men’s 100m and Dina Asher-Smith, Elaine Thompson and Dafne Schippers in the women’s 200m.

2012 Olympic long jump champion Greg Rutherford has also confirmed he will be competing in the London Stadium for the final time, where he will be joined by reigning Olympic champion Jeff Henderson, world and Commonwealth champion Luvo Manyonga and world indoor champion Juan Miguel Echevarría.

The Müller Anniversary Games will be held across the weekend of Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd July 2018, at the London Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Ticket and more information are available at www.britishathletics.org.uk/events-and-tickets/

DisclaimerCollaborative campaign with Mumsnet and British Athletics

15 thoughts on “Countdown to the Müller Anniversary Games”

  1. I can’t wait for the Games – so exciting and it’s going to be an action-packed day and great for the whole family – also like you said a fantastic way to inspire sport in young children

    Laura x

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  2. I’ve not heard of the Muller Anniversary Games before, it sounds a great family day out though. I love that the athletes are going in to local schools and inspiring more children to take part in sports.

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  3. WOW this sounds amazing and how fab that there are so many great athletes attending and inspiring kids! My son loves swimming and has been swimming in a swim club for about a year now. x

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