With the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games set to begin today (24th August), Virgin Media have launched a new campaign to support Great Britain’s competing athletes.
As Covid restrictions are still in place, the athletes’ families and friends are unable to attend this year’s Paralympic Games. Because of this, Virgin Media are encouraging the British public to show their support by taking part in the #WeAreHere campaign.
The campaign aims to make the athletes know that despite the empty stadiums, they’ll still hear, see and feel the support of their fans.
As part of the launch, Alex Brooker, Roman Kemp, Sophie Morgan and Lutalo Muhammad feature in a film encouraging the public to take part in the ‘Wave of Support’.
The Wave of Support movement encourages fans across Britain to upload videos of themselves recreating their own version of the ‘Mexican Wave’, alongside the #WeAreHere hashtag.
Virgin Media has also partnered with Paralympians Kadeena Cox, Ali Jawad, Stef Reid and Tom Hamer who are all competing in Tokyo. The athletes took part in a photoshoot designed to bring their sporting talent to the fore with a collection of inspirational photos set to feature in the campaign.
Simon Groves, Director of Brand and Marketing at Virgin Media O2, said: “With our Paralympians competing on the other side of the world without fans, friends, family or loved ones in attendance, they need our support more than ever. That’s why we’re calling on a host of stars and the British public to join our #WeAreHere campaign and take part in the Wave of Support to show them our support that will hopefully spur them on to success in Tokyo.”
Others have shown their support in different ways, such as the residents of Cabrini House in Orpington, a home for adults with learning disabilities, who held their very own Olympics on 11th August.
The residents competed for medals in a variety of activities including running, walking, trampolining, penalty shootout, bean bag throw, dancing, seated volleyball, bowls, and table tennis.
Natalie, a Cabrini House resident, said, “I really enjoyed the day, especially the walking race. I can’t wait until next year when we can do it again”.
For more information on how you can get involved in Virgin Media’s Wave of Support, please visit their website.
