24 March 2015

Today marks 500 days to go until the Rio Olympic Games, and UK Sport is calling on the British public to help give their athletes a crucial competitive edge as they step-up preparations for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

#EveryRoadtoRio will feature over 30 world class sports events the length and breadth of the UK including the world class Sainsbury’s Birmingham Grand Prix on Sunday 7 June and the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games and IPC Grand Final, part of National Paralympic Day, over the weekend of 24-26 July at the Olympic Stadium.

Dina Asher-Smith, 60m silver medallist at the European Indoor Championships, said: “There’s no better feeling than racing in front of a home crowd and hearing their cheers can really inspire you. I’m so excited to compete in the UK this year and hopefully use that support to give some strong performances and put myself in the best possible position ahead of Rio next summer.

“It’s fantastic that with the backing of The National Lottery so many British athletes will have the chance to compete in the UK to prepare and qualify for the Games. I’d encourage people to buy a ticket to these great events – we need your support!”

Fans that sign up to the #EveryRoadtoRio campaign at www.uksport.gov.uk/events will be given the opportunity to win one of two family ‘golden tickets’ (up to four tickets per family) for every event in the series.

Tickets are now on sale for the Sainsbury’s Birmingham Grand Prix on Sunday 7 June so click here for more details.

Ticket registration closes at Midnight Tuesday 24 March for the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games and IPC Grand Prix so click here to register your interest.