Carlisle’s European and Commonwealth badminton medallist Lauren Smith is among dozens of high-profile environmental backers of the Planet Earth Games, a month of virtual and sustainable challenges currently taking place throughout August.
In the event’s first week, hundreds of participants of all ages from across the UK and beyond have been taking part in daily challenges including cycling, litter picking, upcycling, hummus making and even building bug hotels!
Every challenge, which is free and open to all, is set by organisations and ambassadors who share the same sustainable ethos as Planet Earth Games, including Riverford Organic Farmers, Keep Britain Tidy, British Canoeing and Olympic gold medallists Hannah Mills (sailing) and Etienne Stott (kayaking).
Daily prizes are awarded to lucky participants and anyone who completes 10 challenges across the month is eligible for a wooden medal made from recycled and sustainable sources.
Smith, who has represented Team GB at the 2016 Olympics and has won five Commonwealth Games medals is setting a challenge to go energy free for an hour whilst performing a garden workout on 14 August to win some exclusive Team England badminton kit.
She said: “Over the last few years, I have become increasingly aware of our effects on the planet and I’ve been taking small steps to reduce my impact. I’m far from perfect, but I am trying to learn every day.
“And that is how I came across the Planet Earth Games, an event that brings together two of my greatest passions, getting people active and taking care of our planet. So, it’s a huge honour for me to be an ambassador for this brilliant event.”
Chris Broadbent, Chief Executive of Planet Earth Games said: “This week we’ve already been blown away by the impact the challenges have made. From Cornwall to Angus, Pembrokeshire to the Isle of Wight, Warwick to Londonderry/Derry, we’ve seen participants of all ages get involved.
“For us, it’s all about making a change, and we’re glad to see that spread crossing the globe – truly living our ethos of Healthy Planet, Healthy People. It has been a strange year for everyone, but we have an incredible event to help bring some real enjoyment to this summer.
“The Planet Earth Games is fun, inclusive and accessible to everyone. Whilst the pandemic has caused a lot of us to rethink our priorities, the ambitions to create a healthier, happier and more sustainable society have only strengthened. Planet Earth Games is set to help everyone play their part in nurturing a better environment for the future.”
And that’s just week one. We couldn’t have done it without the support of our friends and partners and a small but mighty group of volunteers. If you want to, join them and get involved here.
Stay up to date on the Facebook page and website. And sign up here.
The Planet Earth Games takes place every day from 1-31 August and entries are open now at www.planetearthgames.org
