PRIDE in being British is set to surge as the summer of sport gets into full swing.
A study of 2,000 adults revealed 85 per cent of the nation feel patriotic while watching sport.
And 62 per cent said national pride will be higher watching the summer sports on the telly – from The Open Championship to England’s Cricket test – than at any other time of the year.
It comes ahead of the Euro’s final on Sunday, which will see the England men’s football team battle it out with Spain for the title.
The research also found 72 per cent can’t wait to tune into this year’s Olympics and Paralympics – hoping for a repeat of the London 2012 ‘Super Saturday’ moment, which makes them feel proud, happy and nostalgic.
While 63 per cent think watching sports with other people is half of the fun, with 47 per cent cheering British athletes on from the couch in July and August – cuppas in hand.
Catherine O’Kelly at British Gas, which commissioned the research as it offers half price energy, known as ‘PeakSave’, every Sunday over the summer, said: “Whether we’re cheering with Lewis Hamilton or biting our nails during England penalties, the summer of sport brings the nation together.
“We’re all hoping for big successes like the unforgettable Super Saturday of London 2012, but our results show that we’ll be bursting with pride whatever happens.”
The research also found 63 per cent said watching sport on TV is fun with others because of the atmosphere, the elation of watching a win together and seeing their reactions.
While 23 per cent love to share refreshments with family and friends.
Of those watching sports this year, 36 per cent will be cheering athletes on with friends or family, while 26 per cent will watch alone – as they consider it ‘relaxation time’.
Nearly two thirds (63 per cent) will be just as proud of British sportspeople’s performances, even if they don’t win.
As 65 per cent deem themselves ‘impressed’ by the variety of sports available to watch at this year’s Olympics and Paralympics.
The study, conducted via OnePoll, also found one in three believe the Paralympians performing are more inspiring than any other kind of athlete.
And nine in 10 will be using the kettle to make hot drinks to power them through the rest of the Summer of Sport.
British former Paralympian swimmer, Ellie Simmonds, and her GoggleBox co-star Richie Anderson toasted with mugs of Olympic proportions to highlight British Gas’s energy offer.
Ellie Simmonds said: “Watching sport on the sofa is way more nerve-wracking than competing.
“One thing I need to power me through being a spectator is tea – and lots of it.”
Catherine O’Kelly added: “Tea and telly are a match made in heaven so we’re incredibly excited to launch this offer, and help people kick back with the sporting action and a cuppa in hand – knowing that they’ll be getting more for less all summer.
“We’ll all be supporting our British athletes in Paris along with Ellie and Richie, and we know they’ll do us proud.”
