The Go Parks: Active Schools Challenge is set to return for 2024 and this time we will be celebrating the Olympic and Paralympic Games with a Paris 2024 Special.
Coventry's residents can get involved in the Challenge by visiting up to 30 of the city's parks and green spaces to find QR codes on Go Parks boards and scanning the codes with their phone. Each QR code represents a different sport from 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games and participants collect virtual medals as they scan the QR codes.
The Challenge is free to take part in and is open to all Coventry residents. It will run from Sunday 9 June – Sunday 7 July. Residents must have a Go CV account to be able to take part in the Challenge.
Those who take part earn points for each scan, and these points can be given to a chosen Coventry school. Schools are grouped dependent on their pupil numbers. The schools with the most points in their group on Sunday 7 July will win.
There are spot prizes for residents to collect along the way as well as pop-up taster activities in parks with the opportunity to try out new sports for free.
Councillor Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport, is delighted to see the Challenge return to local communities: "We know our residents enjoy the Go Parks: Active Schools Challenge, so we're thrilled to bring it back for the summer to celebrate the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“This free activity allows residents to get active in any way they choose – whether that’s cycling to each scanning point or taking part whilst walking your dog, there are many ways to get involved. I encourage all residents to sign up to Go CV to get active outdoors this summer and take part in the challenge.”
Councillor Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Parks, added: “Seeing our city’s parks and green spaces being utilised in this way through the summer months is great for the city.
“Not only will residents be able to take part in a free event, they will also be able to explore parks and green spaces through the Go Parks: Active Schools Challenge that they otherwise might not visit.”
Danny Kingham one of Coventry’s School Games Organisers, said: “It’s been nearly two years since we held the last Active Schools Challenge, and we can’t wait to support its return. We want more schools than ever to take part in this fantastic initiative that keeps people active.
“We're encouraging schools, staff and parents to take part for their own school, but also Coventry residents who can still enjoy the Challenge and select a school to support.”
As with previous Challenges, the Paris 2024 Special will require all participants to be a Go CV member. The Challenge is operated through the Go CV platform where points can be logged, progress can be tracked and where collected medals are stored. Coventry residents can register for a Go CV account ahead of the challenge via the Go CV website.
Previous Go Parks: Active Schools Challenges have attracted over 100 schools and engaged more than 80,000 residents collectively.
The Challenge begins on the same day as the Coventry Children's Mile, allowing families to kickstart their participation in the park immediately following the mile race.
The ‘Go Parks: Active Schools Challenge’ is a partnership between Coventry City Council, Coventry’s School Games Organisers and CV Life.
See the 30 participating parks.
Follow Coventry Sport on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram to stay up to date and follow the Challenge.