ITV is switching off for the first time to encourage the UK to get sporty
ITV is switching off for the first time in more than 30 years to encourage Britons to get sporty.
At 9.30am on 27 August ITV's seven channels will be off for one hour, as part of an I Am Team GB scheme with the National Lottery.
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In an announcement, the broadcaster said: "The big switch off will see ITV’s seven channels come off air for an hour to encourage the great British public to get up and out and involved in sport at one of the many events happening across the country."
I Am Team GB said thousands of local sports venues and clubs will be opening their doors to the public, while two of ITV's iconic shows will be inviting people to join them on 27 August.
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"The famous cobbles of Coronation Street and the rolling hills and dales of Emmerdale will be open and welcoming members of the public to take part in a whole host of sporting activities," it said.
Olympian Greg Rutherford, who is involved in the project, said: "You don’t have to be an Olympian to be part of Team GB."