School pupils 'Bring the Power ' to celebrate Birmingham 2022

Birmingham 2022 's 'Bring the Power ' programme welcomed more than 700 primary school children from across Birmingham to King Edward VI High School for Girls to celebrate this summer 's Games.

Pupils aged eight to 11 participated in sports, arts, and culture as part of a packed day of inspiring activities to promote the Games which come to Birmingham and the West Midlands later this month.

With the Queen 's Baton heading for the Opening Ceremony at Alexander Stadium on July 28, young people got to experience the excitement with their own ceremony to start the day with a guest appearance from Perry, the official Games mascot and a Haka inspired dance routine for a flavour of Commonwealth culture.

Young people tried out Games sports such as Lawn Bowls, Hockey, Athletics, Squash, Netball, Triathlon, Volleyball, Table tennis, Boxing, Cricket, Rugby, as well as taking part in dance, cheer, music and graffiti workshops to widen their horizons and opportunities.

Overseeing the action was CBBC presenter Ben Cajee as host, while boxing Commonwealth gold medallist and Birmingham born Galal Yafai was on hand to answer questions, pass on sporting tips and inspire the next generation of sporting stars.

Alton Brown, head of youth programmes and policy at Birmingham 2022, said: “We welcomed 700 primary school children to our 'Bring the Power ' schools celebration day to enjoy and be inspired by sports, art, and culture.

“Through the Bring the Power youth programme, we have worked to ensure children and young people fully feel the benefit of the Games taking place regionally and across England, today was a fantastic example of that.

“Our 'Bring the Power ' programme aims to reach and inspire children and young people across the country and creates opportunities for them to feel part of Birmingham 2022.

"The enthusiasm demonstrated today and the inspirational moments experienced by pupils will leave a great legacy. ”