PUPILS in Basingstoke are being urged to trek to Tokyo in a new programme being run by Hampshire School Games.

The six-week event, which will run over the school summer holidays, encourage young people to stay active over the break, taking part in challenges to earn 'miles'.

They can chart their miles through the holidays, with the aim of arriving in Tokyo, the host of next year's rearranged Olympic Games, by September.

Phil Jeffs, the Basingstoke School Games Organiser, said: "It's a brilliant initiative that the whole family can get involved with throughout the summer, it's important we are all staying active and healthy.

"With the current pandemic still affecting everyday life, it is more important than ever that we ensure every child could be active for at least 60 minutes every day."

Since Lockdown the role of the 15 Hampshire School Games Organisers has changed. Instead of organising and running competitions and developing leaders to support with the events, they’ve been actively promoting daily physical activity.

The national network of School Games Organisers has been tasked with supporting and helping to implement the Chief Medical Officers guidelines of 60 active minutes per day. Given the current situation it is more important than ever that we encourage, not just children, but also adults to stay active, to help promote both physical and mental health.

Since 23 March 2020, nearly 3000 children have taken part in the Physical Activity Challenges each day. With the support of Energise Me, they’re now upping the challenge to keep families active during the summer holidays.

To find out more, go to https://bit.ly/3e5mlpP.