UNICEF On Campus and the Commonwealth Games 2014

We're partnering with the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, using the power of sport to transform children's lives. Glasgow 2014 will be the biggest sporting and cultural event ever to happen in Scotland, and together we're going make it the biggest ever moment for children all across the Commonwealth.

By supporting UNICEF and Glasgow 2014, the people of Scotland and the Commonwealth will make the Games live on through the lives of the children. Learn more about our work with children.

Over the coming weeks and months we'll be bringing you photos, videos and stories of the children we're helping through the partnership. You can explore the map below to find out about some of the projects that are already happening.

Take part in a UK or overseas challenge for Team UNICEF and we'll help you get the most out of your sponsored event.

Whatever you fancy there's a challenge for you - walk the Great Wall of China, cycle from London to Paris, take on the Three Peaks or explore the magnificent Machu Picchu in Peru.

UNICEF is supported entirely by your donations so take on a challenge, have fun and together we can help make a lasting difference for children worldwide.

We welcome fundraisers who pay for their own challenge and raise funds for UNICEF. Just visit any one of the sites below and decide which overseas challenge you want to take part in. Tell the event organiser that you are a self-funder raising money for UNICEF.

• Three Peaks Challenge: Challenge yourself to climb the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales one after the other.
• Across the Divide: Challenges available include sledding, trekking, cycling, Three Peaks and Everest base camp.
• Charity Challenge: Challenges available include trekking, cycling, kayaking and Everest base camp.
• Discover Adventure: Challenges available include trekking, cycling and survival adventures in the UK and abroad.
• Global Adventure Challenges: Challenges available include trekking, cycling, biking, rafting and dog sledding.

Why join Team UNICEF?

Make the most of your UK or overseas challenge by joining Team UNICEF and raising money for our work for children. Email [email protected] to let us know about your overseas challenge so we can support you.

As a Team UNICEF member you'll have the opportunity to make a real difference to vulnerable children around the world by raising money for UNICEF UK. You'll also get:

• A UNICEF vest or T-shirt
• Sponsor forms and a fundraising booklet full of top tips on how to raise sponsorship money
• Access to our online fundraising site - My Fundraising. It makes collecting funds easy and more money goes straight to our work, as we don't pay commission on money raised through this site
• A dedicated member of staff to support you with your fundraising
• Any information on UNICEF UK that you may need to show your sponsors where their money goes

Your steps for fundraising success

We look forward to supporting you on your journey from registration to stepping over the finish line, and hope that this will be your first step of many with Team UNICEF.

Need more help?

22 April 2013

UNICEF, the Commonwealth Games Federation and the Glasgow 2014 Commonweath Games have today announced a partnership for children that seeks to touch the lives of children in Scotland and in Commonwealth countries across the world.

The partnership aims to raise funds for UNICEF work in Commonwealth countries across the world, and hopes to make next summer's sporting event a big moment for children, aiming to inspire and enable children to be the best they can be.

The news was unveiled this morning by Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams at Swinton Primary School in the east end of Glasgow, one of our Rights Respecting Schools. Nicola shared her own story with pupils, and listened to their hopes for the future.

"I am absolutely delighted to support this partnership and be part of the event this morning," said Nicola. "It was great to meet the children and hear about their aspirations and what they need to be the best they can be. This is a fantastic collaboration which will reach out to every child in Scotland and much further afield."

UNICEF Ambassador Ewan McGregor sent a message of support to the event:

"I couldn't be more pleased that Glasgow has been selected to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games and partner with UNICEF."

"This partnership opens the door to helping transform children's lives, both in my own country of Scotland, and in every Commonwealth nation. That's a hugely exciting prospect."

Fellow UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham also added his backing:

"I am delighted to hear that UNICEF and Glasgow 2014 are to put children at the heart of the Commonwealth Games legacy. This partnership is an amazing opportunity for children around the world.

"Through the power of sport you can achieve so much and this great partnership will be no different. UNICEF leads the way in making sure that children have the opportunity to reach their true potential everywhere."

9 October 2013

Today, Her Majesty the Queen will launch the Glasgow 2014 Queen's Baton Relay at Buckingham Palace.

Sir Chris Hoy, six-time Gold Olympian, double Commonwealth Gold medallist, and recently appointed UNICEF UK Ambassador, will be the Baton's special escort as it makes the processional journey down the Mall to receive the Queen's message.

"I am so proud to be taking part in launching the Baton," said Sir Chris, who has supported UNICEF since 2009. "It brings together three of my life's passions - sport, Scotland and making a difference for children.

"What could be more important than UNICEF and the Glasgow 2014 Games coming together to use the immense power of sport to transform children's lives around the Commonwealth, including at home in Scotland?"

Over 248 days the Baton will cover 198,000km, starting in New Delhi and visiting all 71 nations and territories of the Commonwealth until it reaches its final destination - the Glasgow 2014 Opening Ceremony.

"The Baton beginning its journey around the Commonwealth supported by young people will be a great day - and one that I hope will signal change in a great many lives," added Sir Chris.

10 October 2013

Her Majesty The Queen sent the Glasgow 2014 baton on its 120,000-mile trip around the Commonwealth yesterday, ahead of the Games next summer.

UNICEF Ambassador Sir Chris Hoy kicked off the launch, carrying the baton along the Mall and into the forecourt of the palace.

We're teaming up with the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games to transform children's lives across the Commonwealth. It's the first time a charity affiliation to a Games has ever taken place.

"You can see the difference events like this make to children", said Sir Chris. "I'm a UNICEF Ambassador now, and they're partnering with Glasgow 2014 to try and improve the lives of children all across the Commonwealth. But it's also about at home in Glasgow and in Scotland - all the people who will see the Games, all the children who will be inspired by the Games."

As the ceremony began, UNICEF Youth Ambassador Monica Dzonzi stepped up to meet the Queen as one of the first baton bearers, alongside former Olympic 100m champion Alan Wells.

Monica fought for her right to an education and against child marriage. She gained skills through a UNICEF-supported youth centre in Malawi, which she now runs.

"I've come a long way and can't believe today I shook hands with The Queen", said Monica. "Everyone talks about her and they always say 'I'd love to meet her some day'. I was one of the people who wanted to meet her, and today my dream has been achieved."

Monica was joined behind the stage by 70 young people from our network of partner schools, universities and supporters in London and Glasgow, who carried the flags of each of the competing nations and territories to represent the one billion young people across the Commonwealth.