The three-day event, hosted by the University of Bristol’s Coombe Dingle Sports Complex and involving 18 Bristol secondary schools, aims to celebrate sport participation and achievement by providing pupils with a positive experience of sport.
The Festival is also one of the first events in the UK to have been awarded use of the London 2012 Inspire mark, the badge of the Inspire programme, which recognises exceptional projects inspired by the 2012 Games. It means that all those involved in the Festival will be part of an Inspire event.
As well as an opening ceremony dance routine, performed by pupils from Fairfield High and Cotham School, participants will get the chance to meet sporting stars such as athlete, Jason Gardner and sailing Paralympian, Stephen Thomas. They will also have the opportunity to take part in a range of different activities, such as golf xtreme, lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, tag rugby, dance, table tennis, cycling, martial arts, boccia, t-ball, rowing, orienteering, mini-tennis, indoor athletics and flag football.
During the event the message of healthy eating and living will be promoted through juice and smoothie-making sessions with staff from Bordeaux Quay. Representatives from Healthy Schools will also be on hand to talk about all aspects of choosing a healthy lifestyle. Coaches and officials from various sporting bodies will lead each sport, supported by student volunteers from the University of Bristol and Filton College and the School Sport Co-ordinators.
Robbie Fox, RELAYS (Regional Education Legacy for Arts and Youth Sports) School Event Coordinator from the University, said: “The event reflects how the city is working together to try to encourage sport and healthy living at every level. Being awarded use of the Olympic Logo reinforces what a fantastic event the Festival is. It recognises how all involved, whether a young person, coach, volunteer or partner organisation, will be coming together in the spirit of the Olympic values and aspirations.”
Councillor Simon Cook, Executive Member for Culture, Sport and Tourism Projects for Bristol City Council, said: “Getting young people actively involved in sport is a priority for the city council. By providing first-class sporting opportunities, we can help young people develop a lifelong interest in health and fitness.
“Everyone involved in the Festival is keen to encourage sporting participation at all levels and nurture sporting talent. Best of all, the Festival gives young people the chance to experience the thrill and excitement of taking part in a major sporting event.”
Lisa Blacow, Senior Competition Manager, Wesport said “It is really rewarding to be involved in delivering such a fantastic event for young people in Bristol. It provides an exciting opportunity for pupils who do not usually represent their school sports teams, to participate in a wide range of sports competitions in a festival environment. I hope that this experience will encourage and motivate them to continue taking part in school and community sport.”
The Festival is being held at the University’s Coombe Dingle Sports Complex from 9.30 am to 4 pm from Tuesday 24 to Thursday 26 March. The event is funded and delivered by a partnership of the following organisations, Bristol City Council, The John Rutley Sport Fund, University of Bristol's Centre for Sport, Exercise and Health, West of England Sport Trust (Wesport), Healthy Schools and the School Sport Partnerships comprising of Ashton Park School, St Bedes and the City Academy.