Alex Scott challenges school children to give single- use plastic the boot
Sky Sports presenter launches new Sky Ocean Rescue and Premier League competition to find the best ideas to reduce single-use plastic in schools and communities
The Premier League and Sky Ocean Rescue have today launched ‘The Plastic Pollution Challenge’ to get children thinking creatively about how they can reduce single-use plastics at school or in their community.
The Premier League and Sky are working together to use their global reach and appeal to raise awareness of the environmental issues caused by plastic pollution. This competition is the latest element of the partnership, which aims to inspire fans across the world to take positive action and reduce single-use plastics.
The ‘Plastic Pollution Challenge’, which tasks primary school pupils to make a pledge detailing how they will help reduce plastic pollution, was launched at the Princess May Primary School in Stoke Newington, London, by Sky Ocean Rescue Ambassador and former footballer, Alex Scott. Primary school pupils from across England and Wales can enter the competition before 22 March 2019.
The ‘Plastic Pollution Challenge’ forms part of the launch of new, free, downloadable Premier League Primary Stars PSHE teaching resources dedicated to the Sky Ocean Rescue campaign. They contain fun challenges and a quiz designed to help children understand the damage that single-use plastic is having on the environment.
The Premier League Primary Stars education programme offers teachers free curriculum-linked resources across English, Maths, PE and PSHE. More than 16,000 primary schools have already engaged in the programme, which sees 105 Premier League, EFL and National League clubs also provide in-school support to primary schools across England and Wales.
There are a range of exciting prizes on offer for those taking part in the Challenge, including a visit from the Sky Ocean Rescue whale Plasticus, the Premier League Trophy and some exciting special guests for the overall winner.
Ten lucky runners-up will win a chance for their class to travel to the Sky Academy Studios in London where they will have the opportunity to film their pledge, while the first 100 classes to enter the competition will win a set of reusable Sky Ocean Rescue water bottles.
Mr Reynolds, Head Teacher at Princess May Primary School said: “We are thrilled to welcome Alex Scott today, and to support The Plastic Pollution Challenge. We are doing our bit in school to make our pupils aware of plastic pollution, so it’s fantastic to see Premier League join forces with Sky Ocean Rescue to launch this important campaign and encourage young people to make a #PassOnPlastic pledge to show how they will help reduce plastic pollution.
“By empowering them to take responsibility and understand the damage that single-use plastic is having on the environment, Premier League and Sky Ocean Rescue have the opportunity to create a new generation of environmentally-minded young people.”
Alex Scott, Sky Ocean Rescue Ambassador, said: “I’m passionate about working with young people to create a positive change around this important issue. Children are the future and will suffer most at the hands of single-use plastic and so I’m excited to see the kids taking a lead today, pledging to make changes to help save our planet.”
Nick Perchard, Head of Community, Premier League, said: “Premier League Primary Stars uses the inspiration of the Premier League and its clubs to engage young people in a wide range of important areas. The Sky Ocean Rescue Campaign has helped raise awareness of the critical issue of plastic pollution. By joining forces, we are encouraging children and the school community to pledge to make a change, no matter how small, to reduce the use of single-use plastic and contribute to improving the future of our schools, communities and oceans.”
Teachers can download the free Plastic Pollution Challenge resource pack now at: PLPrimaryStars.com/SkyOceanRescue