Kate Middleton Gets Sporty! Royal Joins Young Athletes in Track Events at London's Olympic Park
Kate Middleton is honoring the next generation of great athletes — and the parents and guardians who are helping their dreams come true.
The royal mom headed to Olympic Park’s London Stadium on Wednesday to join an event for SportsAid, of which she is patron, dedicated to celebrating the role that parents and guardians play in their children’s athletic success.
After her night out at the theater with husband Prince William, Kate showed off her sporty side during the visit, joining young sports stars in track and field activities. She also met the guardians of SportsAid athletes to hear about their challenges and the positive impact of the charity.
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The Duchess is being given an in-depth introduction to track and field as she learns more about the starting blocks, including the differences for para athletes, with coach Coral Nourrice, Jessica Ennis-Hill, Danny Sidbury and Emmanuel Oyinbo-Coker! pic.twitter.com/m4ALiA7qGI
— SportsAid (@TeamSportsAid) February 26, 2020
Kate gave a speech at the event, saying: “It’s been fascinating to speak to so many of you here today and also to hear, just now, about some of the experiences you all have, as young athletes and as parents.”
“The crucial role that parents and caregivers play in our children’s lives cannot be underestimated,” she continued. “For all of you here, you go, and have gone, above and beyond the call of duty; you’ve committed your time and devotion to nurturing your children’s exceptional talents. And as a parent, I have a huge admiration for you and I know just how complex and time-consuming your role is.”
“You are simultaneously the transport and logistics managers, nutritionists, laundry service, psychologists, financiers, and crucially, the ones that provide love, support and encouragement when things are tough,” she added. “You may not always feel appreciated, or sometimes even noticed on the sidelines, in the car park or sitting high in the stands. But I am so proud that SportsAid recognises how key your role is and that they understand the challenges and worries you face.”
The outing came as her brother-in-law, Prince Harry, made his first appearance back in the U.K. since relocating to Canada.
Kate’s own children — Prince George, 6, Princess Charlotte, 4, and Prince Louis, who will turn 2 in April — are already taking after their sporty mom. While spending a family day outdoors while Prince William and Prince Harry took place in a charity polo match over the summer, George and Charlotte were spotted kicking around a soccer ball.
Kate has also shared that Prince George’s favorite tennis player is Roger Federer — and the little royal has even played with the tennis star!
SportsAid helps young British sportsmen and women aspiring to be the country’s next Olympic, Paralympic, Commonwealth and World Champions. The organization supports over 1,000 athletes each year, the vast majority aged 12 to 18, by helping financially towards training and competition costs.
Most young athletes also rely heavily on their parents and guardians, who are often the ‘team behind the team’, providing financial, logistical and practical support. SportsAid runs sessions for both athletes and their family members, allowing parents and guardians from across sporting disciplines to meet each other, share their stories and experiences, and benefit from the guidance that the charity can provide.
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Since becoming patron of SportsAid in 2013, Kate has met many young athletes supported by the charity as well as Olympians and Paralympians who were previously helped by the organization.
