Birmingham 2022 asks schools to ‘Bring the Power’ to mark the Commonwealth Games

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games is inviting schools across the country to organise a school festival day in their setting to celebrate the upcoming Games. This is part of Birmingham 2022’s Bring the Power youth programme, which aims to help young people feel part of the Games and this once in a lifetime celebration of sport and culture.

With a focus on flexibility, schools are encouraged to host their own events and activities that can take any form, from assemblies to sports days or a musical and community festival. Pupils will be inspired to take the lead and learn transferable skills in organisation, communication and confidence building.

To get the ideas rolling, Birmingham 2022 have created free resource packs filled with fun and inclusive suggestions and activities to champion the values of the Commonwealth Games. The resources include an introductory assembly to Birmingham 2022, as well as a Festival Pack, which includes a range of fun, cross-curricular ideas and activities and is designed to give pupils lots of support, tools and inspiration.

Designed to provide learning opportunities and develop understanding of Birmingham 2022 and the Commonwealth Games, planning for and the event itself can fit into learning schedules and any plans that schools already have in place for summer sporting or cultural activities.

Teachers are also encouraged to share their event plans with a chance to win a range of prizes for their school.

One of the suggested activities schools can take part in, is the Sport Relief Lap of Hope. As one of the official charity partners to Birmingham 2022, Sport Relief will invite pupils to write a Power Pledge for the world they want to see, for a small donation. This pledge will be taken on a lap of the playground, classroom or even the local community. The money raised will help tackle inequality, improve mental health and help young people.

The Bring the Power programme, launched earlier this year, will give young people a voice, help them to be able to make a positive difference, and tackle life’s challenges. The project aims to widen knowledge, improve access to sports, art and culture while helping to boost confidence and resilience, not only in Birmingham and the West Midlands but across the country.

Alton Brown, Head of Youth Programmes & Policy at Birmingham 2022, said: “Birmingham 2022 is an incredible celebration of sport and culture that has the ability to inspire children and young people beyond the West Midlands and across the country. We want children and young people across the country to feel part of the celebrations and think about what Bring the Power means to them and their school community.

“As we count down to the Games, there are so many activities taking place in schools and we want to provide flexible and achievable support and ideas to help pupils organise an incredible and fun event that they can be proud of. We really want young people to connect with the Games and feel inspired and empowered by sport, art and culture. So whether you’re a teacher, parent, or work in education, check out our resource pack online and inspire your children and young people to get involved!”

Commonwealth Games Minister Nigel Huddleston said:

"To leave a lasting legacy, we will make Birmingham 2022 more than just sport in a stadium or on a TV screen. That's why we've partnered with the Department for Education to bring the Games to life in schools and classrooms.

Through free lesson plans, school children across England can learn about Commonwealth flags from Antigua to Zambia, get active with a game of cricket, or gain confidence through public speaking.

I encourage all early years, primary and secondary schools to get online and register plans to participate and be in with a chance to virtually meet some Team England stars."

Cllr Jayne Francis, Cabinet member for Culture at Birmingham City Council, said: "The Bring the Power Schools Festival Day is a really bold and engaging way for schools and children to not only learn more about Birmingham 2022 and the Commonwealth but celebrate sport, music and culture too.

“We want young people to really reap the long-term benefits of Birmingham being the Proud Host City of the Games. This, along with the wider Bring the Power Programme, will inspire many young people and I hope as many schools as possible take advantage of the free and flexible resources available.”

The new resources are now available to download on the Birmingham 2022 website.