Oasis Academy Blakenhale Junior pupils unveil mural with Olympian Tessa Sanderson

With less than a month until Tokyo 2020, former Olympic gold medallist Tessa Sanderson and pupils from Oasis Academy Blakenhale have unveiled a specially commissioned mural, one of ten unique walls of art that will be appearing across the country to inspire home support for Team GB.

Purplebricks, a British Olympic Association partner, commissioned the mural at Oasis Academy Blakenhale Junior in Birmingham – painted by local artist Joe Miles and co-created with a class of children from the school - to support Team GB’s journey to the Olympics.

The children submitted designs of what they would like to see on the mural before Joe created the final image.

Tessa Sanderson, Olympic Gold Medallist, commented on the wall mural saying; “It really is a stunning design, and I hope it inspires the kids and the local community here for many years to come beyond the summer. Joe and the kids here at Blakenhale have done an amazing job.”

The mural takes pride of place on a playground wall at Oasis Academy Blakenhale Junior on Outmore Road, Birmingham. It aims to encourage people to get behind the nation’s athletes on their journey to Tokyo.

The ‘art relay’ is the next phase of Purplebricks’ Home Support campaign, which is encouraging people to proudly show their support for the national team as we draw closer to the Olympics.

This is just one of the ten unique murals, created by local artists and school children, which will appear in a pop-up ‘relay’ across England, Wales, and Scotland in the lead up to the Games in just a couple of weeks-time.

Tessa Sanderson added; “With not as many spectators in the stadium this summer our athletes will need home support more than ever before. From my time as an Olympian, I know what a difference it can make having the nation get behind you, and we all need to back our athletes in Tokyo.”

“I think it will be difficult for the guys without a big crowd, so it is great to see how much support there is at home. I am incredibly proud to be able to get behind Team GB this summer and what better way to show our support than with works of art, such as this one?”

Annie Summers, Teacher at Oasis Academy Blakenhale, commented saying; “I was blown away when I first saw the final design. I just think it is special to have this in our school.”

“All the children have been really engaged with the mural from the start, and I think it will be an inspiration for them. Everyone at our school will be cheering on Team GB in Tokyo and beyond and showing our support.”

Joe Miles, the artist behind the mural said; “I managed to complete it in a day. The kids’ designs blew me away, they gave some great ideas.”

“I used to be a swimmer myself, and loved sports growing up, so I’ll definitely be cheering on Team GB this summer and hopefully everyone in this community will be too.”

Purplebricks is working with communities, athletes, and local artists to create commemorative murals for Team GB, encouraging the nation to show home support and get behind the athletes at the Tokyo Olympics. Visit @PurplebricksUK or https://www.purplebricks.co.uk/team-gb