Festival inspires youngsters to follow sporting dreams

Derby City Council has hailed the success of a festival, which aimed to engage youngsters in sport.

It recently joined forces with the Derbyshire Institute of Sport for the Festival of Sport to inspire children through a diverse range of activities.

As part of the Derby Promise, the event aimed to promote physical, emotional and mental health by offering hundreds of pupils from mainstream and special schools the chance to experience sports, from karate to wheelchair archery – all for free.

Held at Derby Arena, the festival captured the spirit of this summer’s Olympics and Paralympics, empowering young people to discover their talents, celebrate their successes, and cultivate a lifelong passion for sport.

Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, the city council’s cabinet member for children, young people and skills, said: “The Festival of Sport was a fantastic opportunity for hundreds of children from both mainstream and special schools, including some from more disadvantaged and vulnerable communities, to come together and enjoy a wide range of activities.

“It was inspiring to see children of all abilities participating with such enthusiasm.

“This event perfectly embodied the spirit of the Derby Promise – to inspire young people and raise their aspirations for the future.

“Who knows, we may have even witnessed the birth of future Olympic champions!”

Derbyshire Institute of Sport was set up after the London 2012 Olympics to help the county’s athletes reach their full potential.

As part of the Derby Promise, the organisation works with sports clubs and schools to promote inclusive sports activity and engage young people across the city.

Managing director Chloe Maudsley said: “It’s been fantastic to work with the council on the Festival of Sport, which has been a huge success.

“This event is just the beginning, and we’re excited to work with Derby’s children, as part of the Derby Promise, to inspire them through sport.

“A lot of young people watched the Olympics and think that’s out of reach for them, but Derbyshire boasts a thriving sports community and has produced numerous world-class athletes. We want our young people to believe that anything is possible.”