How 14,550 children were inspired to get active in 2022

What inspired over 14,500 children to get active in just eight weeks?

The ‘Bring the Power’ school sport workshop programme for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Winning the tender to deliver part of the official education programme, we partnered with the Commonwealth Games to bring these workshops to primary schools across the West Midlands.

The workshops

The ‘Bring the Power’ school sport workshop programme was rolled out across the West Midlands to get young people moving ahead of the sporting showcase, the biggest to be held in the UK’s second city in generations.

Designed to create pathways for pupils to feel part of this festival of sport and culture, the workshops were a once in a lifetime opportunity to bring children and young people closer to the most inclusive and progressive multi-sport event in the world, taking place right on their doorstep.

How did the workshops achieve this?

By giving children the chance to experience the fully integrated para-sports programme of the Games.

The results

So, what was the outcome of the school sport workshop programme? Did it achieve what it set out to do?

Here’s the results:

“Everyone at Aspire was delighted to contribute to the biggest sporting show on Earth this summer by delivering such an impactful programme of activities through ‘Bring the Power’” said Aspire co-founder Paul Griffiths.

“Not only did ‘Bring the Power’ enable Aspire to encourage young people to be physically active, the workshops created new opportunities for young people. Six temporary team members delivered the programme, with two progressing to be offered full-time positions.

“Just as the Games have brought a boost to the West Midlands and everyone who watched the action either in the stadiums or during broadcasts around the world, being part of the ‘Bring the Power’ programme has inspired the Aspire team and created memories that will last a lifetime.”

Reflecting on the ‘Bring the Power’ youth programme, James Grinsted, Birmingham 2022 School Relationships Manager, said:

“Birmingham 2022 was a wonderful celebration of sport and culture that established a legacy of inspiring young people in the West Midlands and across the country. One of our goals was to ensure children across the country felt part of the Games, which ‘Bring the Power’ and the work of partners like Aspire enabled young people and their school communities to engage with.”

As a proud Birmingham-based organisation, it was a real honour to be involved in educating and inspiring children through an iconic celebration of sport taking place right on our doorstep.

The Games may be over, but let’s work together to make sure the legacy lasts. Let’s ensure all children have access to engaging, accessible and inclusive opportunities to be physically active, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, confidence and tools to lead healthier and happier lives.