Schools from across the region prepare to take part in Sainsbury’s School Games

Over 900 children from 60 schools across the city and county will convene at the University of Nottingham for the Grand Opening Ceremony of the 2014 Nottinghamshire Sainsbury’s School Games.

Just like the Opening Ceremony at the Sochi Winter Olympics, this junior version will be attended by a host of VIPs including several Team GB athletes, local dignitaries and representatives from several national governing bodies who manage their sport across the country.

The opening ceremony will follow a similar format to previous years and feature performances from schools. This year’s Opening Ceremony will feature dance performances from highly talented dance groups run by Joseph Whitaker School & South Nottinghamshire Academy.

“The School Games provides an excellent opportunity for all young people to make a positive and active contribution to their school - whether they are sporty or not,” said Rob Cook, event director and Youth Sport Manager, Sport Nottinghamshire. “This could be as a performer in an opening ceremony, as a leader, as an official or as a sports reporter; the School Games can engage everyone.

“We hope this event has provided a competitive environment and pathway for those inspired 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to pursue sport.”

Olympic gold medallist Tim Baillie (Canoe C2, London 2012) will share his experiences with the athletes and leaders inspiring them to be the best they can be in sport and life.

Kicking off at 10.15am at the University Park Sports Centre in Nottingham we expect a fun filled day, with all children competing in their district or borough colours.

Following the opening ceremony the athlete’s will disseminate to the various venues around the city for a day of competition centred around 6 different sports.

As in previous years the Games is being delivered in two stages, the first on 28th February (Winter edition) and the second on 4th July (Summer edition). Both multi-sport events will be supported by over 100 young leaders from across the city and Ccounty from the award winning Nottinghamshire Leadership Academy Network.

These events are part of a four level competition structure set by the Youth Sport Trust. Those children lucky enough to progress through to level 4 will then have the opportunity to compete in the Sainsbury’s School Games Finals which takes place at some of the country’s best sports grounds including previously, the Olympic Park.

At all levels of the Sainsbury’s School Games there will be increased opportunities for all young people regardless of ability or disability to compete on a local, regional and national level, and to be inspired to continue to play sport throughout their lives.