Button calls on young people to become scientists of sports
To coincide with national science and engineering week, Jenson Button has called on young people to stick with science and maths in school.
The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver is backing a campaign run by GSK, in partnership with the McLaren Group, called ‘Scientists in Sport’, which uses the excitement of sport to inspire young people to study science, technology, engineering and maths.
Part of the campaign is a ‘Fast Forward Challenge’, where budding scientists are challenged to devise a test which could be used to improve a Formula 1 driver’s reactions. Winning schools will be given an opportunity to visit the McLaren Technology Centre and put their test into action with one of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team.
Speaking from the Australia, where he is about to begin the 2013 Grand Prix season, Jenson Button said: “The speed, drama, noise and glamour of Formula 1 may seem very different from a school science lesson, but our sport wouldn’t exist without the tireless work and dedication of some of the world’s cleverest scientists, engineers and mathematicians.
“That’s why I think it’s so important for young people to stick with maths and science at school. In the future they might just find themselves designing a new grand prix car, or working in the pits analysing telemetry data. And, while not everyone can be a racing driver or work in Formula 1, maths and science can open up some amazing opportunities.”
GSK’s Scientists in Sport campaign was officially unveiled at the Big Bang Fair – the national science fair, which runs from the 14th – 17th March and will be attended by around 60,000 secondary school students and their teachers.
A new, interactive Scientists in Sport website is now live, visit www.scientistsinsport.com for more information and follow the campaign at @GSKScience.
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