Charity walk marks Sir Jackie Stewart’s 80th birthday

A walk to celebrate the achievements of Scotland’s Formula 1 legend Sir Jackie Stewart is being held in June.

The Grand Prix Walk, on 11 June, invites people to take part in a one, two or three mile circuit of Dumbarton’s Levengrove Park – a mile for each of the three World Championship titles Sir Jackie won throughout his career.

The free event, organised by West Dunbartonshire Council and The Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland, has been arranged to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first of his wins, in 1969, and will also take place on his 80th birthday.

Sir Jackie said: ‘I am so touched that so many people are up for the challenge of the Grand Prix Walk and send a big thank you to everyone from West Dunbartonshire Council’s Greenspace Team, as well as the Sporting Memories Foundation for organising it.

“This event is taking place on my 80th birthday, so I hope you will excuse my absence. I am very proud to be from West Dunbartonshire as of course I was brought up, schooled and worked there until I was 29 years old. I am very proud to be a Scot and a Dumbartonian and I still get back as often as I can.’

The walk will also help raise the profile of Sir Jackie’s charity foundation, Race Against Dementia, which he set up following his wife Helen’s diagnosis with the disease. He continues to work to find a cure or effective treatment for the condition.

Interested participants are asked to meet outside the Levengrove Pavilion on 11 June for welcome and introductions at 10.50am. Walk leaders will commence the walk at 11am. The event is expected to last until 1pm.

Councillor Iain McLaren, convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development, said: ‘Sir Jackie Stewart is one of the most successful Scottish sportsmen ever and he is from West Dunbartonshire so it’s fitting that we pay tribute to his achievements 50 years on. I’d encourage everybody to get their walking shoes on, and join in the fun at Levengrove Park.’

Councillor Marie McNair, vice convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development, added: ‘This event not only celebrates one of our most legendary sporting heroes but also encourages our residents to get out walking in our beautiful surroundings while doing it.

‘I hope Sir Jackie’s successes inspire our residents to increase their physical activity as it has a real benefit to our mental health and wellbeing.’

The route is suitable for all to partake, including wheelchair users.

To sign up for the free event, click HERE.

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