How has London Youth Games shaped your journey?
We’re counting down to our 50-year anniversary in 2027 and we want to celebrate the young people, volunteers, coaches and supporters that have made the games since 1977.
Share your memories and achievements, big and small, on and off the sports field.
LYG Stories
"I’m really, really excited to see what the future holds for me in netball. Competing in the London Youth Games has honestly been a joy. It’s been amazing. Everyone playing here has been just brilliant, and it’s great to raise my level, compete, and work on my gameplay. It’s really good."
- Sumaya
NetBall Player
"In today’s society, young people are facing more and more challenges. The more we can offer them positive alternatives, the better. And the London Youth Games are a brilliant example of that."
- Suki
Chair of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
"The London Youth Games is amazing. I really enjoyed it when I was younger, and being able to play against my teammates during the school year or during club basketball - playing against them was super competitive."
- Shanice
team gb basketball player
"Hi, my name is Savannah Wilkinson, a Great Britain basketball player. I played in the London Youth Games representing my borough of Enfield and I loved it. I really enjoyed being part of the team and representing my borough."
- Savannah
Team GB
Basketball Player
"Doing the London Youth Games really helps build the sense of community between players, because, tennis is quite individual, so it's really nice to come together with a common goal, and the atmosphere in which it takes place is very friendly. Every year we have a great time."
- Lara
Borough: Islington
"Playing squash in the London Youth Games makes me feel quite proud of myself, because I've only been playing for two months, and to get from nothing to then two months later being in the London Youth Games representing my borough is quite a special thing. Now I will remember it for my whole life."
- Jesse
Borough: Enfield
"I've still been involved with the London Youth Games. Currently I'm managing the boys' hockey team at the London Youth Games. We've had so much positive to take back and hopefully build on this for the coming years."
- Cll Abdul Wahid
Tower Hamlets
Seeing people who I aspire to be like playing in the Copper Box and the fact that I was playing in the Copper Box, it meant a lot to me and it gave me a big opportunity and a great experience.”
- divine, netball player redbridge
"It's been a really valuable experience where I've been able to develop up so many skills, meet so many people that I now call my closest friends and it's been really meaningful to me."
- Ealaf, LYG33
"The programme helped me realise I do belong in this space - that my lived experiences and passion for inclusion are my strengths as a coach."
- Nana, Inclusive Coach
"I’ve improved a lot and I feel very confident now that I can ride a bike. It’s helped me so much and I feel very proud to cycle at the Games. I love the way that cycling feels and I’ve made friends in my LYG cycling training sessions. I don’t miss a single lesson!"
- Chidera,
Cyclist for Lambeth
"My first wheelchair racing was at the London Youth Games, which holds quite a sentimental place in my heart, because it was quite a surreal experience to race in here all the time and to come back here every year and racing it again and see how it’s improving."
- Ilias
Para Athlete for Camden
"The London Youth games have got such a great platform for people to springboard off and have so many different careers and different varieties of roles.
- Pat
volunteer
"I’ve made some great friends and I love feeling part of a wider community."
- Shani
bmx rider for Southwark
“Before LYG, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. Now that I’m part of LYG, I feel a strong sense of belonging and pride. I enjoy being part of something that celebrates diversity and teamwork.”
- Jack
Para Athlete for Kingston
"Coming to London youth games and seeing people who, even if they don't have the exact same conditions as me, have definitely faced the same challenges I had. I think it's quite empowering, and it just reminds me that you are not alone."
- Ananya
para athlete for
Wandsworth
"I have found friendships and companionship and feel less socially isolated, more motivated and feel useful."
- Lou
volunteer
"I love to expand my experience in disability coaching and by doing the Inclusive Coaches Programme, this has helped me improve my all round coaching skills."
- AIDEN, inclusive coach
“I’ve made some great friends and I love feeling part of a wider community.”
- oscar, para athlete for kingston
Hear From Our Participants
The London Youth Games helped me…
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Prof. Geoff Thompson MBE
Former five times world karate champion, leading sports administrator, youth activist and chair of LYG
“As our 50th anniversary approaches, we want to celebrate our late monarch and the legacy of sporting participation of young Londoners.
The LYG50 campaign is about every young Londoner achieving their ambitions and life potential.
With this campaign, we will continue to engage all Londoners, working with the 32 Boroughs of London, the City of London and our supporters to help us meet the challenges that young people face in our communities today.
The countdown to 2027 will see a diverse, inclusive celebration and legacy opportunity for all.”