Hopes to reach Tokyo as residents encouraged to take part in Downham Games' Community Step Challenge

In the month running up to the Downham Games, members of the community are being encouraged to take as many steps as possible.

Named the Community Step Challenge, residents are asked to record their steps between May 9 and June 9 – the date of the eighth annual Games.

Organiser Frances Rayner said the aim is to collectively take a total of 14.5 million steps – the equivalent of walking from Downham to Tokyo, home of the 2020 Olympics.

A number of schools and gyms have already signed up to take part, and businesses, sports clubs and individuals are encouraged to join in, too.

West Norfolk Mind is this year’s chosen charity, and the Community Step Challenge aims to raise awareness of the impact of physical activity on mental health.

Zena Penty, of West Norfolk Mind, said the charity is “delighted” to be supported by the Games and added: “It’s a very inclusive community event which will motivate people to try new activities which hopefully they will continue to participate in.

“The inclusion of schools in the step challenge will very much help us raise awareness of our services and we would like to thank the local businesses for their support.”

The Games take place on the Memorial Field on June 9.

Downham Tandoori has sponsored the challenge by providing pedometers, most of which will be used by schools. A number of them can also be purchased for 90p each, by messaging Downham Games on Facebook.