School Games

As we move closer to hosting the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games there really is no better time to build on our existing work in school sport and showcase the positive impact that competitive sport can have on our students.

With the support of the Essex Local Organising Committee and School Games Organisers, we are creating a year-round sporting calendar, with around 30 sports available, specifically designed to get young people competing at intra-school and inter-school levels and culminating in local, regional and national events. The Regional aspect of this the Essex School Games is a celebration of competitive sport for students and we want all young people, of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to be involved.

The Essex School Games is a new and exciting way for all young people to get involved in competitive school sport. There are three key elements to the School Games at all levels:

Getting everyone involved

No matter what their experience, talent or ability, the School Games is open to all young people. With competitions available at intra-school, inter-school and county/area level, there is a place for everyone.  The School Games is also designed to complement existing initiatives in your school which encourage a wide range of young people to participate in sport – such as Change4Life Sports Clubs.  There will also be opportunities for young people to participate in cultural events including opening and closing ceremonies.   We will also be looking to engage and utilise young leaders of all ages to support the delivery of the games in a wide range of roles from group leader to officials. 

The competition ladder

Young people should be able to progress in competitive school sport and the School Games provides the connectivity to achieve this. It provides opportunities for young people to start off in intra-school competitions and then progress to the next level to take part in inter-school competitions. From there, if a team or individual qualifies, the next step is competing at a county/area level at a School Games Festival. At this point young athletes may be recognised by National Governing Bodies of Sport and could go on to compete at Level 4 - the national multi-sport event.

Using the excitement of sport and London 2012

The School Games is a new approach to school sport designed to motivate and enthuse all young people. Using the unique power and energy of London 2012, now is the time to inspire everyone to take part! Our young people expect and deserve the best – this means an approach to competitive school sport that is exciting, well presented, offers a wide variety of sports and which gives other opportunities for students to get involved through cultural activities, organisation, officiating or volunteering.

Contact us

The School Games is a new approach to competitive school sport designed to motivate and enthuse all young people. There will be three competitions happening in Essex in 2012 in Winter, Spring and Summer. 

If your school is interested in being involved, please contact Kelly Harman, Cross Cuirricular Co-ordinator or Carrie Bywater, Senior Competitions Manager