Herts Schools Celebrate Commonwealth Games with Inclusive Sports Festival

On Thursday 2 July, 12 Primary schools came together at Oaklands College for a special Commonwealth Games-themed festival, held as part of the Inclusion 2028 programme in collaboration with Herts School Games and the Herts Sport and Physical Activity Partnership’s No Limits 2026 campaign. The event celebrated the forthcoming Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, which are scheduled to take place from 23 July to 2 August 2026.

A total of 102 young people took part, including pupils from 8 Primary Schools in Years 5 and 6 with additional needs, alongside pupils from 4 Primary Special Schools. The festival gave young people the opportunity to experience a wide range of inclusive physical activities in a supportive and celebratory environment.

Proceedings began with an Opening Ceremony, with each school representing a different Commonwealth country. Two pupils from each school proudly carried their assigned country’s flag into the hall, creating a colourful and memorable start to the day.

The audience was then welcomed by three No Limits Ambassadors, Thomas Light, Imogen Brown and Daniel Angus, who shared their experiences of sport and physical activity. They encouraged everyone taking part to have fun, get involved and enjoy the festival. One of the Inclusion Champions also read the Commonwealth Oath before the activities began.

Throughout the day, primary school pupils took part in a varied programme of activities including fencing, cricket, tennis, dance, golf, circus skills, team-building challenges and relay games. Pupils from the Special schools enjoyed a range of motor skills activities designed to support participation, confidence and enjoyment.

24 Sports Leaders from St Albans Girls’ School also played an important role throughout the day, supporting activities for both the mainstream primary schools and special schools alongside the activity deliverers. Their encouragement and assistance helped ensure that all young people were able to participate, feel supported and enjoy the festival experience.

Leaders were great, interacting with all the students. All activities were well adapted to accommodate students’ needs

The festival was also supported by the National Paralympic Heritage Trust (NPHT), who brought along a collection of Paralympic Games memorabilia. Young people were able to handle the items, ask questions and have their photographs taken, helping to bring the history and inspiration of the Paralympic movement to life.

School comments included:

Wonderful variety of activities. Something to inspire all children. It was all so well organised and great fun for the children

Such a fabulous day! great activities led by fantastic staff, coaches and leaders Thank you

One of the deliverer providers commented:

A pleasure working with you, your team, and all of the children on the day. It's wonderful seeing so many children getting the opportunity to represent their school and clearly very much enjoying themselves in the process. That moment when they actually find themselves doing something they never previously thought themselves capable of, is priceless

The event provided a positive celebration of inclusion, teamwork and the power of sport to bring young people together. It offered pupils the chance to try new activities, learn about the Commonwealth Games and Paralympic heritage, and enjoy being active in an inclusive setting.