London Youth Games have revealed exciting plans to deliver a thriving legacy for the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics by announcing their Finals Festival 2024 at the iconic Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
The three-day event across June 28-30 gives young people the chance to follow in the footsteps of London 2012 heroes Mo Farah, Christine Ohuruogu and Bradley Wiggins, who all competed in the London Youth Games as fledgling stars before representing Team GB.
Building on the legacy of the last 12 years, the Finals Festival is the culmination of over 50 qualifying events delivered from early February, incorporating more than 35 sports.
The event spans three Olympic and Paralympic legacy venues in the Park and the schedule features the finals of nine sports – basketball, tennis, swimming, volleyball, dance, road cycling, netball, hockey, aquathlon – with over 6,000 participants and spectators part of the action.
Working alongside partners LLDC, GLL, London Sport, London Marathon Events, Youth Charter, StreetGames, GLA, Sport England and LYG33, the London Youth Games Foundation is focused on creating the largest and most inclusive sports festival for all young Londoners.
The event aims to improve the accessibility of sport to young people of all backgrounds, channelling the Olympic and Paralympic spirit to transform opportunities for children across the city.
Olympic gold and silver medalist 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: “In this Olympic and Paralympic year, the London Youth Games Finals Festival will provide a real opportunity to engage, motivate and inspire young Londoners and their communities.
"A weekend of truly diverse and inclusive sport and cultural activity, that will see improved participation opportunities and access to the world-class facilities that we believe give hope and opportunity for all.”
On June 28, attendees can perform in the dance competition at the Copper Box Arena and also take part in a range of sports on the area outside the venue, as well as the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.
Netball and Volleyball Finals take place in the Copper Box Arena on June 29, with swimming in the London Aquatic Centre and Boys Hockey at the Lee Valley Tennis and Hockey centre.
On June 30, attendees can watch basketball in the Copper Box Arena, aquathlon in the London Aquatic Centre and girls hockey and tennis at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.
Visitors can also engage in the community multi-sports festival, from 11am-4pm on June 30, at the Copper Box Arena, with all activities free of charge to participants and spectators.
To register an interest to attend visit londonyouthgames.org/finals-festival/
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