Olympic gold medallist Greg Rutherford has jumped in to get behind Milton Keynes’ year as European City of Sport for 2020.

MK is celebrating the title throughout 2020, and the #MK20in20 campaign is being used to encourage everybody to get involved in physical activity.

MK Council bid for the title to unlock more opportunities for investment into local sport and activity, encourage healthy lifestyles and share grassroots success stories.

Rutherford, who won long jump gold at the London 2012 Olympic Games, was born and raised in Milton Keynes and learnt his trade with Marshall Athletics in Stantonbury.

“Milton Keynes is an amazing city, and it often doesn’t get the plaudits that it deserves,” said Rutherford.

“It’s a brilliant place and I’m thrilled to bits that it’s got the European City of Sport accolade.

“The infrastructure we have in MK is incredible, and I was lucky enough grow up and train here.”

MKC is working closely with partners, businesses, national and international organisations to raise awareness of grassroots sport and activities throughout the city’s year as European City of Sport.

Rutherford said: “We’re a hugely multicultural and diverse place and there are a lot of people that want to access sport and physical activity.

“Milton Keynes is a great hub for sport and it’s brought through some fantastic sportspeople over the years – long may that continue.”

Hundreds of people and organisations have already made an #MK20in20 pledge to be more active in 2020 – find out more here: https://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/leisure-and-community-activity-hub