Latest impact of London Youth Games on young people in London published

Today, we are pleased to announce the launch of our 2023 Impact Report. The report details the impact we have had through the Open Games, and our strategic programme pillars, the School Games, LYG33, Inclusive Coaches and our Games Force volunteering programme.

We believe that ‘Sport is a right for all’, ‘Sport improves physical health and mental well-being’ and ‘Sport is a key driver of social integration’. Our report sets out to identify our achievements related to our beliefs.

Through our Open Games programme we are proud to have achieved:

• 66% of London Youth Games participants are lonely never or hardly ever, based on Open Games survey carried out by Trust Impact (Feb-Sept 2023)
• 43% of last year’s Open Games participants are from Black, Asian and Ethically Diverse communities.
• 46% of Open Games participants took part from the 1st – 5th most deprived areas of London (IMD 1-5) last year
• 3,972 celebrated sport, culture and entertainment at the Finals Festival on July 1 & 2 on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Through our other strategic pillars we achieved:

• 93% of LYG33 members said the programme increased their confidence in themselves and capabilities to achieve future ambitions.
• 12 new coaches trained through Inclusive Coaches to offer specialist sport and opportunities for young people with special educational needs and disability last year
• 49% of School Games participants took part from the 1st – 5th most deprived areas of London (IMD 1-5) last year
• 151,033 young people took part in School Games events last year

Cycling participant for Lambeth, Chidera, said: “I found it tough when I started cycling. I was the only one on a balance bike, while my friends were already around me riding two-wheeled bikes. Through training for London Youth Games, 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.”

Sport is a fundamental right for All, however those who face the greatest inequalities are most likely to be inactive. The Games plays a hugely positive part in young people’s lives, especially helping young people to become healthier, safer and more successful. Thanks to your support, you’re helping us in our mission to create a youth games that’s accessible to young Londoners of all genders, ethnicities, beliefs, disabilities and backgrounds.

1,900,000 participants have benefitted from London Youth Games since 1977. We’re driven to create the world’s most inclusive Games, and proudly offer 13 Para-Sports to engage as many young disabled people and those with impairments and additional needs across our programmes.

In 2024, an Olympic year, we’re driven to create more opportunities for young people to experience the legacy of London 2012, hosting to host a whole community sports, arts and culture festival on the Olympic Park, assisted by all the agencies who support our efforts, providing a real and lasting legacy opportunity for all.

Discover more in the interactive report: https://www.londonyouthgames.org/impact-report-2023/