London Youth Games finals festival set for Olympic Park

London Youth Games have revealed exciting plans to deliver a thriving legacy for the 2012 Olympics by announcing their Finals Festival – the first time the events have been held on one weekend across each of the London 2012 venues at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

The two-day event across July 1-2 gives youngsters the chance to follow in the footsteps of London 2012 heroes Sir Mo Farah, Christine Ohuruogu and Bradley Wiggins, who all competed in the London Youth Games before representing Great Britain in the very same venues this year’s hopefuls will grace. 

Building on the legacy of the last 11 years, the Finals Festival is the culmination of over 50 qualifying events for young people delivered across London from early February, incorporating more than 30 sports. 

The event represents the first time five Olympic venues in the Park will host London Youth Games’ biggest weekend, providing opportunities for young people in the capital. 

The schedule features the finals of 11 sports – athletics, tennis, BMX, swimming, road cycling, basketball, volleyball, netball, hockey, aquathlon and table tennis – and over 10,000 participants and spectators will be part of the action.

Working alongside partners Nike, Sport England, London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, Greater London Authority (GLA) and Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL), the London Youth Games Foundation is focused on improving the accessibility of sport to young people of all backgrounds, channelling the Olympic spirit to transform opportunities for children across the city.

Former London Youth Games participant and 2012 silver medal winner Ohuruogu said: “I had an amazing time taking part in the London Youth Games years ago and it’s great to see young people from all over the city get involved. 

“Inclusion is so crucial at this level and I’m really hoping some of them catch the sporting bug! I’m delighted they’ve got the chance to use these amazing venues – it will leave such an impression on them and does wonders for the Olympic legacy.”

LYG Foundation Chair, Prof Geoff Thompson MBE, added: “The Finals Festival will provide an opportunity to engage, motivate and inspire young Londoners and their communities through the sporting, cultural and artistic Games experience. 

“The weekend will provide a truly diverse and inclusive reflection of the London 2012 and Birmingham 2022 Games and legacy opportunity to the world class facilities that we believe provide hope and opportunity for all.”

One of London Youth Games’ core beliefs is sport representing a key driver of social integration. 

For the first time in the event’s history, there will be a Festival outside the Copper Box Arena at Eastcross Square, open to all and packed with free entertainment. 

A DJ will play from on board the London Youth Games’ Foundation bus while visitors can also enjoy dance performances from Rambert Grades, immersive workshops for adults and young people, talks from famous athletes and have the chance to try a diverse range of sports activations from our National Governing Body and community sport partners. 

In addition, running alongside the on-field action on Saturday July 1 is LLDC’s The Great Get Together – a free, fun-filled community event at the Park. 

A huge array of live music, dance, and performances on the big stage as well as sports and activities are sure to delight the thousands of Londoners flocking to Stratford.

Hosting the Finals Festival at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park provides an opportunity to inspire more young people to build lifelong associations with physical activity and sport, competing in iconic venues while having fun participating and creating life-long sporting memories.

All activities will be free of charge to participants and spectators.
The London Youth Games’ Finals Festival Site runs from 9am-6pm on July 1-2 and will take place on ‘Eastcross Square’, outside the Copper Box Arena.