Olympian Beth Tweddle is inspiring young to give their support

Young people in Burnley and Padiham are being given a unique chance to send their own special message of support to athletes who will compete in the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.
By Sue Plunkett
Published 30th Mar 2015, 19:00 BST
Beth Tweddle with pupils from Altham Primary School at SimonJersey for the launch of the new competition giving schhol children the chance to have their message in lining of the kit for the games in Rio.Beth Tweddle with pupils from Altham Primary School at SimonJersey for the launch of the new competition giving schhol children the chance to have their message in lining of the kit for the games in Rio.
Beth Tweddle with pupils from Altham Primary School at SimonJersey for the launch of the new competition giving schhol children the chance to have their message in lining of the kit for the games in Rio.

A competition to find the best messages was launched this week by three time Olympian gymnast Beth Tweddle at Altham’s Simon Jersey which is official supplier to Team GB.

The winning messages will be featured in the athlete’s suits worn to all formal events in Rio and the UK including the glittering opening ceremony. The messages will be stitched into the lining of the suits.

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Pupils from Altham Primary School were invited to attend the launch and be the very first in the UK to write their messages for the contest, My Olympic Wish. They got the chance to write their messages and also design pictures to go with them after Beth, who is the most successful British gymnast in the history of the sport, gave a presentation on her career and told them how much the messages would mean to the Olympians.

Beth Tweddle with pupils from Altham Primary School at SimonJersey for the launch of the new competition giving schhol children the chance to have their message in lining of the kit for the games in Rio.Beth Tweddle with pupils from Altham Primary School at SimonJersey for the launch of the new competition giving schhol children the chance to have their message in lining of the kit for the games in Rio.
Beth Tweddle with pupils from Altham Primary School at SimonJersey for the launch of the new competition giving schhol children the chance to have their message in lining of the kit for the games in Rio.

She said: “Although it is exciting to be competing in an event as prestigious as the Olympics, when you are far away from home you can often feel alone and miss your family.

“These messages of support mean so much, it gives you a boost to know that people back at home are supporting you no matter how far away you are.’’

Beth said the competition would also bring to life sport for many youngsters and inspire them to take up an activity themselves, something she is passionate about.

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She added: “I am really looking forward to seeing what young people come up to inspire our team. “It is clear to see that talking to these wonderful pupils from Altham Primary School they have put a great deal of time and thought into what they want to say.’’

Beth Tweddle and the pupils of Altham Primary School launched the #MyOlympicWish competitionBeth Tweddle and the pupils of Altham Primary School launched the #MyOlympicWish competition
Beth Tweddle and the pupils of Altham Primary School launched the #MyOlympicWish competition

The competition, which is being run in conjunction with the British Olympic Association, is open to anyone under the age of 16 messages of support must be 20 words or less. If you wish to enter log onto simonjersey.com/myolympicwish. The closing date for entries is Friday, May 1st.

Related topics:BurnleyPadiham