Milton Keynes Olympian Peter Bakare Wins Major National Award for His Nutri Troops Children’s Health Programme

Local health brand triumphs in global athlete-led competition judged by UK sporting and business icons.

Milton Keynes Olympian Peter Bakare has secured a major national victory after his children’s health and wellbeing brand, Nutri Troops, triumphed at the Alibaba.com CoCreate Pitch Final in London. 

Held at the InterContinental O2, the event brought together some of Europe’s most impressive athlete-founded ventures as part of the Athlete365 Business Accelerator – an International Olympic Committee initiative designed to help athletes build impactful, purpose-driven businesses.

The judging panel featured a formidable line-up: England football icon Rio Ferdinand, Dragons’ Den entrepreneur Sara Davies MBE, and double Olympic Triathlon Champion Alistair Brownlee MBE. All three were unanimous in their praise for Nutri Troops, selecting it as one of the winners for its creativity, measurable impact on children’s health, and clear potential to scale nationwide.

Nutri Troops was created in response to a growing health crisis. One in three UK children are living with obesity, and fewer than half meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity. Many face environments shaped by unhealthy food and sedentary habits. Instead of taking a restrictive or punitive approach, Nutri Troops reframes health through imagination, storytelling and interactive adventure. Children become “Healthy Heroes,” making positive choices because they feel part of something exciting and empowering.

More than 17,000 children across 200 schools and clubs in Milton Keynes and the North East have already taken part in Nutri Troops sessions. Teachers consistently highlight better engagement, improved teamwork, boosted confidence and a stronger grasp of nutrition and wellbeing topics.

Reflecting on the win, Peter Bakare said the recognition represents far more than a business milestone. He spoke with passion about the joy of visiting local primary schools and watching children immerse themselves in the fictional world of Nutria, where learning happens through play, story and collaboration. He expressed his excitement about expanding the Nutri Troops Academy and bringing the programme to even more schools across Milton Keynes and surrounding areas.

The CoCreate Pitch Final challenged athlete-entrepreneurs to deliver a compelling 90-second presentation to investors, business leaders and global brands. Nutri Troops distinguished itself through its fusion of storytelling, physical activity and practical nutrition education, alongside its mission to help every child grow into a confident, active and health-aware young person.

Nutri Troops’ approach is delivered through a comprehensive system that includes story-led missions, food-group games, movement challenges, teamwork tools, maps, learning resources and curriculum-linked content suitable for children aged four to hundreds in group sessions. The developing Nutri Troops Academy digital platform will guide teachers and coaches through interactive sessions, track wellbeing outcomes, and animate the characters and world at the heart of the programme.

Peter’s own sporting journey is a key part of the brand’s ethos. Growing up in Canning Town and discovering volleyball in his teens, he went on to represent Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics. His path – marked by setbacks, injuries and limited opportunities – was shaped by what he calls the power of “yet”: the belief that barriers can be overcome with perseverance and time.

Last summer, Nutri Troops delivered its Golden Games project across Milton Keynes, reaching more than 3,600 children with free Olympic-inspired activity sessions, nutrition workshops and wellbeing challenges. The initiative demonstrated the scale of demand for creative, accessible health education and the difference it can make to local families.

Schools wishing to bring Nutri Troops into their classrooms can arrange a visit from Peter and his team by emailing Lauren@nutritroops.com or by visiting the Nutri Troops website.

This Christmas, the organisation will also be running free holiday camps in Fishermead, offering physical activity sessions, nutrition and wellbeing workshops, and access to healthy food for children who need additional support. The project reflects Nutri Troops’ ongoing commitment to community impact and meaningful corporate social responsibility.

Local businesses are invited to support the camps through the Nutri Troops Charity, 5 On It Foundation. Opportunities include sponsoring activity sessions, providing healthy food donations or offering prizes for children taking part. Companies interested in partnering can contact Lauren@nutritroops.com.

The success of Nutri Troops at the CoCreate Pitch Final marks a significant moment not only for Peter Bakare but for the wider Milton Keynes community. With continued backing, the programme aims to ensure that every child across the city has access to imaginative, joyful and effective health education – and the chance to become their own Healthy Hero.