Member Article

How to be a Team GB Superfan

Over the past few weeks, Team GB has been busy getting kitted-out with the latest gear ahead of the opening of the Rio Olympics next week.

To coincide with the #Superfans campaign, Panasonic caught up with the athletes to find out exactly what it takes to be a Superfan and how fan support inspires them.

Please see below for top tips on how to be a Team GB Superfan – straight from the athletes themselves.

1. Dress the Part

It’s not just the sound of your cheers that the athletes need, they love to see their fans dressed up in Team GB attire. Whether it’s a Union Jack t-shirt or just a quirky hat, to be a true Team GB Superfan you’ll need to look the part.

David Florence, Team GB Canoeist, enjoys seeing pictures and crowd members “with painted faces and Union Jacks everywhere”.

It’s time to get dolled up and celebrate with Team GB!

2. Get in the team spirit

There’s nothing quite like getting behind your country and backing your home team, and the Olympics is definitely not the time to hold back. The best Superfans assemble organisations and groups of friends to show their support for Team GB together.

Martyn Rooney, Team GB 400m Runner, loves “seeing the British flag – the Union Jack – in the audience reminds me that I’m not there on my own, that I’m part of a team, performing for my country – it helps me calm down and get ready for my performance”.

Grab your mates, get out the flags, and show your team spirit for this year’s Olympics!

3. Express your passion

A good fan is passionate about their team, but a Superfan shows it, so don’t be afraid to express your devotion and share your support for Team GB.

Chris Bennett, Team GB Hammer: “The main thing about Team GB supporters is that they’re always passionate – no matter where you go, or who you bump into – they always show passion, always want you to do well and so pleased for you. It gives you a bit of pride and makes you feel at home knowing they’re supporting you.”

What are you waiting for? Get passionate and make Team GB proud.

4. Get Social!

Just because we can’t all be at the Games in Rio this year to support our team, it doesn’t mean we can’t get behind them here in the UK.

Ben Maher, Team GB Equestrian Showjumper, knows how important it is to follow your team on social media and share your support with them “I remember when I was young, following the sport, and it’s really great to see the comments from people of all ages supporting what we do every day”.

Share your wild, eccentric, fun and inspiring photos and videos on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter with the hashtag #Superfans to get your fandom seen by the athletes on a giant screen at the Olympic village all the way over in Rio this summer.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Andrew Denham .