The recent performances of stars like Dina Asher-Smith at the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) World Championships in Beijing and Adam Peaty at the World Swimming Championships in Kazan demonstrate just how inspirational major events can be. The passion, commitment, determination and excellence on show provide an example to us all of the value of dedication and hard work.
Athletes are great role models for young people and demonstrate the core values of creativity, aspiration, resilience and empathy that are required to succeed both in the classroom and in life. Katrina Johnson-Thompson agonisingly fouled out of the heptathlon event but demonstrated great resilience to come back fighting in the long jump competition just days later and make it to the final. These are the values we look to instil in all young people as part of their character education.
In the UK we have been spoilt with an influx of world-class competition over the last three years, from the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow last year and numerous world championships in between.
At the Youth Sport Trust, major events are part of our fabric. They help drive participation in sport, particularly at school level. The knock-on effect goes well beyond the playing field. Evidence shows that physical education (PE), school sport and physical activity enhance physical health, boost mental wellbeing, build resilience, lift academic achievement and create active habits for life.
At the Youth Sport Trust, we are set to deliver the biggest school sport event of the year – the Sainsbury’s 2015 School Games. The event takes place in Manchester from 3-6 September and, despite having been involved with the competition for the last eight years, I am more excited than ever as these games approach.
Although high-level competition is at the heart of the games, forming a vital part of each sport’s talent pathway, developing the young people attending as athletes, volunteers, coaches and performers is integral. The event sees 1,600 elite young athletes compete, supported by more than 500 volunteers. They will experience a spectacular opening and closing ceremony at the Manchester Arena, an athletes’ village and a targeted education programme which includes anti-doping advice and guidance designed to help support young people both on and off the field of play. We expect more than 15,000 spectators during four days of competition, all looking to spot the next Olympic or Paralympic champion.
Our involvement in major events continues with the upcoming Rugby World Cup. Working with event organisers, England Rugby 2015, we have recruited choirs from 20 schools in England and Wales to be part of the ceremonies that will officially welcome teams to the Rugby World Cup 2015. A total of 116 schools submitted applications to get involved and it is great to see so many engage in this world-class event. An event like the Rugby World Cup can engage teachers, parents and students not just from a sporting aspect, but also a cultural one. With 20 leading rugby nations coming to England and Wales, the school choirs will be welcoming teams from all four corners of the planet.
No doubt this unique opportunity will impact not only the students performing, but the whole school to engage with the tournament in a way that inspires learning. The Youth Sport Trust is delighted to support and work with England Rugby 2015 and we look forward to seeing great creativity in the school performances. We are as excited as the schools because we know that this is a unique opportunity that only a major event can provide.
As we saw with Dina and Adam, and will see again at the Sainsbury’s 2015 School Games and Rugby World Cup, major events can provide teachers, parents and most importantly young people with motivation that simply can’t be found anywhere else. That is why we must seize the opportunity to get involved, inspiring future generations to be the best they can be, whether on the track and playing field or in the classroom.
To be part of the Sainsbury’s 2015 School Games, follow live online here or on social via @_SchoolGames #2015SSG.
