Team RAC’s Colin Turkington (Portadown) exchanged his racing boots for running shoes this week as he joined BBC’s John Inverdale to launch Belfast’s Sport Relief 2006 campaign.
At the heart of the campaign is the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile, which takes place on 15th July at 15 different locations throughout the UK. The entire country, including celebrities, politicians and the general public are urged to do a ‘Mile’ to raise money to help vulnerable people leading tough lives here in the UK, and in the poorest countries in the world.
The distinctive Sport Relief Red Sock is central to the experience and each ‘Miler’ will take part wearing one red sock, and at the finish line they will be presented with a second to make a pair.
Slipping on his red sock and supporting the campaign Colin said: "I feel honoured to have been asked by the BBC to help launch the campaign and it was great to meet John (Inverdale). We did a circuit taking in City Hall and we picked up a few supporters along the way. I hope that people get into the sprit of the campaign and raise as much money as possible. I’ve certainly enjoyed myself."
Will Colin be receiving his second sock? He added: "It may be difficult as I’ll be competing in the British Touring Car Championship at Croft on 15th July, but it isn’t beyond possibility. Let’s just say I’m working on something!"
Sport Relief was set up by Comic Relief, in association with BBC Sport, to tackle poverty and disadvantage here at home and overseas
Since its launch in 2002, Sport Relief has raised over £30 million
Half of the money raised will be spent in the UK to help give those living in disadvantaged and divided communities a better life; the other half will help children and young people in the world’s poorest countries, faced with the daily reality of extreme poverty, abuse and exploitation
Article and photo courtesy of Team RAC Press Office
