Young people Bring the Power as Newham greets the Commonwealth Games to the borough 

• 200 schoolchildren took part in interactive workshops 
• Team England and Team Jamaica athletes gave inspirational advice 

 Newham greeted the imminent arrival of the Commonwealth Games later this summer as the Games’s mascot, Perry, and two Commonwealth games athletes visited Stratford Youth Zone.

Over 200 school children gathered at Stratford Youth Zone to celebrate the upcoming Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games on May 18.

The event was part of Birmingham 2022’s Youth Programme Bring the Power, which aims to help young people feel part of the Games and this once in a lifetime celebration of sport and culture.

The school children were joined by Team England weightlifter Zoe Smith, Team Jamaica weightlifter Chloe Whylie, and Perry, the official mascot for Birmingham 2022.

Newham is the only place outside of Birmingham that will host Commonwealth Games events as Commonwealth Track Cycling will take place at the Lee Valley VeloPark on the tenth anniversary of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. London Borough of Newham welcomes Birmingham 2022.

The children were given a taste of the Games at the event, with a fun session delivered by Perry, and a range of interactive workshops to develop pupils’ knowledge and skills, through fun physical and creative activity. The morning finished with a Q&A session with weightlifters Zoe Smith and Chloe Whylie where they provided inspiration advice about the role of sport in their lives.

The Bring the Power programme, which 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 sport, art and culture while helping to boost confidence and resilience, not only in the West Midlands but across the country.

The programme worked closely with Newham schools providing educational resources to help pupils understand the background, as well as the power, of the Games. Schools across the country have also been encouraged to organise their own Bring the Power Schools Festival Day. 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.

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 medallist Zoe Smith, said: “Weightlifting gave me independence, strength and determination at a young age. Sport has the power to bring people together, break down barriers and connect with other people and it’s brilliant to see Birmingham 2022 making this happen, not only in the West Midlands, but across the country as well.”

Dr Anna Chapman, Strategic Lead for London Stadium Learning, London Borough of Newham said: “We were honoured to be part of this exciting and unique educational experience in the lead up to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. We really appreciated this involvement as the first local authority outside of the West Midlands to experience a Bring the Power School Festival.

“Our students were incredibly inspired and fortunate to meet the incredible athletes. The workshop activities had a huge impact on young people's aspirations and the response from the teachers was overwhelmingly positive.”

Jas Hothi, Service Manager for Youth Empowerment for the London Borough of Newham said: “The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games is an amazing event that not only brings people together, but also provides inspirational role models for our young people. Talent is everywhere but opportunity is not, Bring the Power and Birmingham 2022 will provide opportunities for our young people to shine.”