Hertfordshire School Games Celebration Event 2025

On Friday 4^th July, the annual Hertfordshire School Games celebration event took place in partnership with Everyone Active at Oaklands College, marking an exciting end to the School Games year.

The day offered children and young people the opportunity to experience a major sporting event. The celebration began with an opening ceremony, hosted by Otto and Thomas, two young Sporting Ambassadors from St Peter’s School in St Albans, who also provided a full report on the day here.

The opening entertainment featured an energetic dance performance from Skyswood School, St Albans, followed by an impressive football freestyle display from Jamie Knight.

The Guest athlete for the day was Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, a core member of the Team GB sprint relay team. Harry’s career highlights include gold medals at the Birmingham 2022 and Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, three European Championship golds and a 100m bronze at the 2014 Europeans. As well as being a popular face on a TV sports gameshow, Harry is also an Elite Athlete on Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions programme, which supports aspiring athletes in the community.

The event also welcomed 12 additional Sporting Champions from Hertfordshire and a large group of VIPs, including Mayors from across the county, representatives from the Youth Sport Trust, Sport England, Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership, the Principal and Senior Leadership team of Oaklands College and Heads of Sport Academies.

The event highlighted and reflected on the Hertfordshire School Games ‘Aspire and Develop’ and ‘Inspire and Engage’ categories. These categories are to ensure all young people are able to access competitions and events at the right level to ensure maximum enjoyment and a positive experience.

Over 600 young people participated in nine different activities led by the School Games Organisers and leaders from local secondary schools. These included the Active 60 carousel, Ultimate Frisbee, Herts a Knockout, Inclusive Cricket & Golf, Inclusive Transition, Tennis Skills Festival, Inclusive Tennis and Girl’s Football.

Overall, with energy and enthusiasm on display throughout the day, the celebration was truly a great way to finish the School Games year.