Earlier this month, Sport Birmingham proudly delivered the Brum Moves: Primary Athletics Experience at the iconic Utilita Arena Birmingham, creating an unforgettable day of activity, fun and inspiration for local primary school pupils.
Delivered in partnership with Birmingham City Council and Birmingham School Games, the event was designed to encourage primary-aged children to get active through athletics in a welcoming, inclusive environment. Set within a world-class sporting venue, home of the UK Athletics Indoor Championships also held last month.
The experience gave young people a unique opportunity to try athletics in a setting usually reserved for elite athletes. The event welcomed 250 Year 3 and 4 pupils from 23 schools, alongside 20 Young Leaders from two secondary schools, many of whom were experiencing athletics for the very first time. The focus was firmly on participation, enjoyment and personal bests, rather than competition, helping children feel confident, supported and motivated to take part. Supporting and encouraging the primary school participants were Young Leaders from Cockshut Hill School and Archbishop Ilsley Catholic School, who did a fantastic job helping to deliver the various activities on offer.
The opening ceremony featured entertainment from dancers and drummers, and the children participated in an international flag bearing parade around the arena track. The drummers were from St John Wall Catholic School with dancers and singers from St Pauls Girls School. Throughout the day, pupils took part in a range of engaging athletics-based activities designed to build physical literacy, develop fundamental movement skills, and inspire a positive relationship with physical activity – particularly for those who are less active or may lack confidence. The atmosphere was full of laughter, excitement and smiles, with young people clearly enjoying every moment.
The event was made possible thanks to the fantastic support of key partners, including the London Marathon Foundation, Daily Mile, Parkrun, Mini Warriors, Birmingham Athletics Academy, Access Sport and England Athletics all working together to deliver a memorable and meaningful experience. Special thanks go to Davies Sport who provided fantastic goodie bags for all of the participants. Davies Sports is a UK supplier of sports and physical education equipment, selling a wide range of kit for schools, clubs and leisure centres to support playing, learning and competing in PE and sport. They offer products, advice and delivery services across many sports and fitness needs.
By providing access to inspirational sporting environments and removing barriers to participation, the Brum Moves Experience played an important role in supporting children’s physical wellbeing, and sowing the seeds of a lifelong passion for sport and physical activity amongst participants.
Finally, we would like to also extend our thanks to the Birmingham School Games Organisers who heavily supported the organisation and the delivery of the event.
For further information about the event, and our work in the education sector and with children and young people, please contact lauren.davies@sportbirmingham.org or check out our recently refreshed Education Hub here. The hub features a range of resources and case studies to browse. Our events page is updated on an ongoing basis, and includes events of specific relevance to schools.
