Youth engagement legacy scheme for Island Games
A YOUTH engagement legacy programme has been launched for the 2023 Island Games, including an activities resource pack created by sixth-formers.
The programme aims to help primary school children realise the benefits of sport in living a healthier and happier life.
‘It’s not just about elite performance, although obviously it’s great to encourage the next generation of Maya Le Tissiers and Ala Chalmers.
‘It’s also about promoting the recreational and social joy of sport, the camaraderie. When you join a sport club you make friends for life, you find your tribe and can develop a sporting habit for life,’ said the Games’ deputy director Emma Beardsell.
As part of the legacy programme, a team of Sixth Form Centre students have developed a pack of Games-themed activities which has been sent to all States primary schools as well as schools in the Games’ other 23 member islands.
The activity packs were tested in a pilot at St Martin’s Primary School.
Sixth form teacher Helen Watson said a lot of work went into the project.
‘As well as finding out information about the islands and researching the various activities, the students have also had to consider the learning objectives, outcomes and underlying educational outcomes whilst still making the activities fun and engaging,’ she said.
The 101-page pack consists of 20 activities, including how to say hello in the languages of the Games’ different islands, national anthems and medals maths.
It aims to encapsulate the Games’ motto of ‘inspiring islanders’ and to leave a legacy.
‘It’s important that young people reap the long-term benefits of the Games,’ said Ms Beardsell.
‘The event is six days of sporting spectacle and, as exciting as that will be, we want to make sure there is a lasting impact after the closing ceremony on 14 July. A vital part of that enduring impact is the opportunities for young people.’
The organising committee for the Games has also been working with the Health Improvement Commission and the Sports Commission on activities and projects linked to the Games.
And a number of work experience opportunities are being made available to older students, including working with the Health Improvement Commission and working as a junior reporter.
