Brownlee brothers’ sports charity celebrates 100th event after inspiring over 90,000 children
“Seeing children cross the finish line with a smile on their face is exactly why the Foundation exists”
An inclusive sports initiative founded by Olympic medal-winning brothers Alistair and Jonny Brownlee has celebrated its 100th event, marking a major milestone for the charity.
The Brownlee Foundation was launched in 2014 by the Leeds-born triathletes with a mission to make sports more accessible for children.
Over the past 12 years, over 92,000 school pupils across the UK have taken part in a Brownlee Foundation event, which gives them the chance to swim, cycle and run in a supportive, non-competitive environment.
The triathlon-based events are free for primary schools and require no previous experience.
Bikes, helmets and other equipment are also provided to help remove barriers to participation and ensure children of all abilities and backgrounds can take part.
Alistair Brownlee said: “When Jonny and I started the Brownlee Foundation, the aim was simple. We wanted to give more children the chance to experience sport in a positive, accessible and enjoyable way.
“This has never been about creating elite athletes. It’s about helping children try something new, build confidence and discover what they are capable of. To reach 100 events and know that more than 92,000 children have now taken part is something we are incredibly proud of.
“Sport has given us so much throughout our lives, and we know the impact it can have on confidence, resilience, friendships and wellbeing. Seeing children cross the finish line with a smile on their face is exactly why the Foundation exists.”
Alistair and Jonny Brownlee are widely considered as two of the greatest triathletes of all time, holding numerous Olympic, European and Commonwealth medals.
The pair went viral across the world at the 2016 Triathlon World Series in Mexico when Alistair helped an exhausted Jonny cross the finish line to achieve second place.
The Brownlee Foundation marked its 100th event at Mold, North Wales, with Alistair Brownlee in attendance as primary school pupils took part in the free, fun and inclusive experience on June 16.
The 100th event milestone is part of a busy year for the Foundation, with more than 17,500 children taking part across 17 events through their schools.
Jonny Brownlee said: “The most powerful thing about the Foundation is that it gives children an experience they might not otherwise have. For some, it is their first time trying a triathlon. For others, it might be the first time they have enjoyed being active.
“That matters. Not every child sees themselves as sporty, but every child gets the chance to be active, have fun and feel proud of what they have achieved.
“Reaching 100 events is a brilliant milestone, but it also makes us even more determined to keep going. We want to inspire the next generation to enjoy being active and to make sure more children can access those opportunities, whatever their background.”