Today (August 5th) marks one year to go until the Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and the British Olympic Association (BOA) is calling on fans and Olympians to help inspire Team GB next summer.

Through a combination of Olympic Greats, a new online fan club and a campaign to ‘Bring on the Great’, the BOA is looking to generate a huge swell of support for Team GB athletes travelling to Brazil in order to help them achieve their greatest performance at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Sarah Stevenson has been selected as one of eight retired Oympians who will act as role models for the athletes competing at Rio 2016 and help inspire the nation to support Team GB on the journey to the Games.

The Olympians joining Sarah who have won 27 Olympic medals, including 19 gold, between them are: Ben Ainslie (Sailing), Becky Adlington (Swimming), Chris Hoy (Cycling), Anthony Joshua (Boxing), Denise Lewis (Athletics), Steve Redgrave (Rowing) and Beth Tweddle (Gymnastics).

The Greats will attend various Team GB events in the build up to Rio 2016 and offer advice to the athletes and their family and friends, passing on the knowledge picked up during their own Olympic experiences.

Upon hearing the news, Sarah said, “I am delighted to be named as one of the Team GB Greats. Competing at an Olympic Games is such a unique experience.”

“For many of the team heading to Rio it will be their first away Games so I hope that I can use my experience from the four Olympic Games I competed at to help them prepare and deal with the challenges ahead.”

“The support the team had in London 2012 was incredible and we need to ensure that they team feel just as supported, if not even more so, at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.”

Team GB Club

The launch of the Team GB Club will allow fans to follow the team closer than ever as it gears up towards the Rio 2016. The free membership will enable Team GB supporters to enjoy a range of exclusive content and benefits as they join the athletes on their road to Rio and at the Olympic Games themselves.

Through signing up and joining the Club online via TeamGB.com, fans will have exclusive access to offers, experiences, competitions and behind the scenes content from the team as well as the ability to personalise the website to their sporting tastes.

Bring on the Great

To help our athletes on their journey through to Rio 2016, Team GB is calling on the nation to bring on their greatest support and help the athletes bring on their greatest performance at the upcoming Olympic Games.

Following the incredible support of London 2012, it is more important than ever that the team knows the nation is behind them when competing at an ‘away Games’ next summer.

Fans can show their support by sending in their good luck messages on TeamGB.com and joining the new Team GB Club. These messages will be displayed on flags which will be given to the athletes travelling to Rio and hung in the Team GB accommodation in the Olympic Village.

Select messages will also feature on Team GB Bahia Bands, a traditional Brazilian bracelet symbolising good fortune, which athletes will be given in the lead up to the Games. Fans will be able to buy their own Bahia Bands later this year.

Seb Coe, BOA Chairman said:

“The plan for Team GB in the run up to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games is to leave no stone unturned in the preparation of a world class performance environment in which our athletes can deliver their personal best.  Their sporting achievements at London 2012 inspired the nation and we look forward to the British public showing their support once again for their Olympian endeavours whilst in Rio.”

Bill Sweeney, BOA CEO said:

“Our nation’s support, pride and optimism spurred Team GB on to greatness during the London 2012 Olympics. It is vital that when they compete in Rio our athletes feel that wave of great support once more and know that the nation is with them, inspiring them to achieve great performances. This is why we have chosen ‘Bring on the Great’ as our Rio 2016 campaign strapline. Leave your message of support for our Olympians on TeamGB.com.”

For more on the campaign, click on the video below: