The 11^th annual Inspire+ Mini Olympics took place at the Grantham Athletics Stadium over the 19^th, 20^th & 21^st June. Grantham based sports charity Inspire+ run the Mini Olympics as an end of year celebration for its member schools and this year saw the event grow to a 3 day event. This allowed over 2000 young people to be involved in the games, its biggest to date!

The Mini Olympics saw primary schools from across Grantham, Stamford, Market Deeping, Peterborough, Gainsborough, Lincoln & the surrounding areas take part, either bringing teams from years 2, 3 or 4. For most of these children it is their first time taking part in a large sports event, particularly one where they take part in their own opening and closing ceremony along with up to 14 different Olympic and Paralympic sports.

This year the event was themed ‘A Festival of Sport’ celebrating the Winter Olympics, Hockey World Cup, The Commonwealth Games and the Football World Cup. The charities Ambassadors; Sam Ruddock, Jonathan Broom-Edwards, Sarah Outen MBE, Sophie Allen and Ben Smith were a part of the celebrations along with Lincoln City FC player Ellis Chapman.

Supporting the running of the event is a number of local business sponsors to which Inspire+ are extremely grateful. The charities Sports Leadership Academy students, Young Ambassador and Apprentices play a key part in the setting up and running of the games, without them it would not be possible.

Operations Manager, Chris Graves said after the event: “The Mini Olympics is such a magical event for everyone involved. We hope that the children who take part will be inspired to perhaps try new sports, become more physically active and lead healthy lifestyles. The Mini Olympics is our one mass event of the year and it is great to see all our schools come together after another hugely successful year for Inspire+. We could not run this event without the support of local businesses and the dedication of our team of staff and volunteers. Thank you!”