While Team GB battled for glory at the Paris Olympics, children from across Derby took part in their own sporting spectacle.
Derby City Council and Derbyshire Institute of Sport joined forces to hold an inclusive Festival of Sport to inspire children through a diverse range of activities.
As part of the Derby Promise, the event aimed to promote physical, emotional and mental health by offering hundreds of pupils from mainstream and special schools the chance to experience sports from karate to wheelchair archery – all for free.
Held at Derby Arena, the festival captured the spirit of this summer’s Olympics and Paralympics, empowering young people to discover their talents, celebrate their successes, and cultivate a lifelong passion for sport.
Children taking part in a wheelchair archery session as part of the Festival of Sport
Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, said:
The Festival of Sport was a fantastic opportunity for hundreds of children from both mainstream and special schools, including some from more disadvantaged and vulnerable communities, to come together and enjoy a wide range of activities.
It was inspiring to see children of all abilities participating with such enthusiasm. This event perfectly embodied the spirit of the Derby Promise - to inspire young people and raise their aspirations for the future. Who knows, we may have even witnessed the birth of future Olympic champions!
Derbyshire Institute of Sport (DIS) was set up after the London 2012 Olympics to help the county’s athletes reach their full potential. As part of the Derby Promise, the organisation work continue to work with sports clubs and schools to promote inclusive sports activity and engage young people across the city.
Managing Director Chloe Maudsley said:
It’s been fantastic to work with the Council on the Festival of Sport, which has been a huge success. This event is just the beginning and we’re excited to work with Derby’s children, as part of the Derby Promise, to inspire them through sport.
A lot of young people watch the Olympics and think that’s out of reach for them, but Derbyshire boasts a thriving sports community and has produced numerous world-class athletes. We want our young people to believe that anything is possible.
It isn’t just about developing athletes, though - sport nurtures essential life skills such as confidence, problem-solving and teamwork. It brings people together and breaks down social barriers.
More than 600 children, from the ages of seven to 15, took part in the festival. Working with them were professional athletes, sports club coaches and staff from local schools, while students from training and apprenticeship provider Juniper Training acted as volunteer leaders, giving them valuable experience for the future.
The Festival of Sport is one of a programme of events being held as part of the Derby Promise, which aims to expand opportunities, raise aspirations and promote the wellbeing of the next generation by providing meaningful opportunities for children, young people and adults from primary school right through to further and adult education.