ITV are switching off for an hour over bank holiday weekend – but why?

We’re all invited to ‘I Am Team GB’

I am team GB ITV

by Cate Sutherland |
Published on

All seven of ITV’s channels will go dark from 9.30am -10.30am on Saturday August 27 in support for the National Lottery’s biggest every sports day.

During the run up to Rio, National Lottery players raised over £80 million a year to fund our athlete’s dreams.

I am team GB ITV

The event has been dubbed “I Am Team GB” and was created to celebrate public support for elite athletes whenever we play the National Lottery.

It’s a fantastic opportunity to try a new sport as thousands of local sporting clubs open their doors for free.

Simon Daglish from ITV said: "When it comes to big, brave ideas that change people's behaviour it can't come much bigger than switching off the ITV network to get the nation out of their homes and doing something active.

"Thanks to this unique partnership between ITV and The National Lottery I think 27 August is going to be one of the great fun events of the year."

I am team GB ITV

Bill Sweeney, chief executive of British Olympic Association, said: I am Team GB will be the country’s biggest ever sports day inviting participants from all the Home Nations to share in the performances of Team GB athletes at Rio 2016 and be inspired to get active."

There are loads of fun, free acitivties to get involved in across the country.

One of the most exciting is the chance to run down Emmerdale’s Main Street! The ITV soap is offering exclusive access to their iconic sets in the Yorkshire Dales.

I am team GB ITV

There will be two ‘family friendly’ duathlons in the morning, followed by a picnic in the Emmerdale Village.

Fancy a family relay? Let us know on Facebook and via Twitter (@CloserOnline).

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