Princess Diana Award winner launches the Birmingham School Games

Princess Diana Award winner Matthew de Redman last week helped launch the Birmingham School Games, part of the London 2012 Olympic legacy. 

Matthew, a local Year 12 pupil at Bishop Challoner Catholic College, won the award in 2011 for his outstanding contribution to sport in his local community.  As well as coaching local primary school children in both sport and youth leadership skills, he also helps PE staff with the organisation and running of sports competitions and last year visited Letshego School in South Africa to help develop a youth leadership programme. 

Taking on the look and feel of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the School Games is a new and exciting two-year initiative designed to inspire school pupils aged 5-19 from all communities to take part in competitive sport.  Targeted at able-bodied and disabled pupils alike, the Games provides a series of competitive sports events both within and between local schools, culminating in county school festivals and national school finals, which will be held in the London Olympic stadium.  As well as the sports events themselves, the Games will also feature opening and closing ceremonies that will represent Birmingham’s rich cultural diversity.  And for those who do not wish to compete, there will also be a number of opportunities to get involved in the many roles and careers that support major sporting events, such as journalism, photography and officiation.  

The launch event – which brought together the School Games Network, headteachers, teachers, the Youth Sport Trust, national governing bodies and members of the Birmingham Sport & Physical Activity Partnership – provided a great opportunity for all involved to pledge their support and prepare for the county rounds of the Games, due to take place on 28 and 29 June. 

Commenting on the School Games, Matthew said: 

“I think the School Games is a fantastic opportunity for schools around Birmingham to encourage their pupils to get more active through playing sport.  But it’s not just about the health side – sport has helped me overcome some major obstacles in my life and I hope the School Games will help other young people in Birmingham do the same.” 

Glynis Jones, Chair of the Organising Committee, said: 

“Matthew is a real inspiration to others, and we’re really pleased to have him on board for the launch of the Birmingham School Games.  With the approach of London 2012 just around the corner, there has never been a better time to promote the benefits of playing sport to young people around the city.  We look forward to developing a programme that will use sport to change lives for people just like Matthew.” 

Mike Dickenson, Director of Birmingham Sport & Physical Activity Partnership, said: 

“The School Games provides a once in a lifetime opportunity for young people to enjoy school sport competition, and will hopefully inspire some to go on to have their own ‘Olympic dream’.  But the Games aren’t just about discovering new sporting talent – they are about providing local school children with the opportunity to experience the fun and friendships that a lifetime of sport can offer.”