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Published on July 23rd, 2026
•The Brownlee Foundation, established by Olympic medal-winning brothers Alistair and Jonny Brownlee, has reached a remarkable milestone by celebrating its 100th event. This exciting achievement highlights the foundation's commitment to encouraging children to become active through free triathlon experiences. Since its inception in 2014, the foundation has inspired over 92,000 primary school children to participate in sports, making a significant impact on young lives across the UK.
Milestone Event in Mold
The 100th event took place on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, in Mold, North Wales, where Alistair Brownlee himself was present to cheer on the young participants. The event provided a fun and inclusive triathlon experience, allowing children from various backgrounds to swim, cycle, and run in a supportive environment. This approach ensures that every child, regardless of their skill level, can enjoy the thrill of sports.
Importance of Inclusivity
The Brownlee Foundation’s events are specifically designed to be free for primary schools and cater to Key Stage 2 pupils. This means that no previous experience in triathlon is necessary. To make it easier for children to participate, the foundation provides essential equipment such as bikes and helmets. This removes barriers that might prevent some children from getting involved in sports.
At each event, every child receives a t-shirt, a medal, a goody bag, and healthy snacks upon crossing the finish line, ensuring that they leave with a sense of achievement and pride.
Positive Impact on Children
Alistair Brownlee expressed the foundation's mission succinctly:
“When Jonny and I started the Brownlee Foundation, the aim was simple. We wanted to give more children the chance to experience sport in a positive, accessible and enjoyable way.”
He emphasised that the focus is not on producing elite athletes but on helping children discover their capabilities, build confidence, and enjoy being active.
Jonny Brownlee added:
“The most powerful thing about the Foundation is that it gives children an experience they might not otherwise have. For some, it is their first time trying a triathlon. For others, it might be the first time they have enjoyed being active.”
This sentiment resonates deeply with the foundation’s goal to encourage all children, especially those who may not see themselves as sporty, to engage in physical activities.
Addressing Challenges in School Sports
The achievement of reaching 100 events comes at a crucial time when school sports are under renewed scrutiny. Recent government changes will replace England's PE and Sport Premium with a new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network starting in spring 2027. This shift has raised concerns among schools and leaders about ensuring that children continue to have ample opportunities for physical activity.
In this context, the Brownlee Foundation’s work is vital. By offering free triathlon events, it supports schools in providing sports activities that might otherwise be difficult to fund. The foundation has collaborated with local sports clubs, councils, and volunteers to ensure that thousands of children can participate each year.
Encouraging Healthy Lifestyles
The foundation's events not only promote physical activity but also foster a positive attitude towards sport among children. Teachers have reported significant benefits from these experiences, noting that events like these help boost children's confidence and encourage them to try new activities.
One teacher remarked:
“It boosted children's confidence; they tried something new and felt good about it.”
Another teacher highlighted the importance of such events, especially in the wake of COVID-19, saying, “Events like this are invaluable to get children active again, particularly with swimming as schools face financial challenges providing swimming lessons.”
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, the Brownlee Foundation is determined to build on this success. The 100th event is just part of a busy year, with over 17,500 children participating across 17 events. The foundation aims to inspire even more children to lead active lifestyles and make sports accessible to all, regardless of their background.
To learn more about the Brownlee Foundation and its initiatives, visit their official website at www.thebrownleefoundation.org. The foundation continues to work tirelessly to ensure that every child has the opportunity to experience the joy and benefits of being active.