Herts Schools Get Ready for the Commonwealth Games

On Wednesday 25^th March, 23 schools came together to take part in a celebratory festival marking the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow later this year. The event was delivered as part of the Inclusion 2028 programme, in collaboration with Herts School Games and the Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership’s No Limits 2026 campaign.

A total of 162 young people took part, representing 12 primary schools with pupils from Years 4 and 5 who have additional needs, alongside 11 special schools.

The event opened with a vibrant Opening Ceremony, during which each school represented a different Commonwealth nation. Two pupils from every school proudly carried their assigned country’s flag into the hall, setting a celebratory tone for the day.

The audience was welcomed by three No Limits 2026 Ambassadors, Lauren Cooper, Evie Nicholas and Millie Smith, who shared their personal stories and encouraged everyone to have fun and enjoy the day. The ceremony continued with the reading of the Commonwealth Oath by one of the Inclusion Champions, before activities got underway.

Primary schools took part in 12 different activities across three Commonwealth sports, basketball, volleyball and bowls, while special schools competed in boccia tournaments.

School feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with comments including:

A fun- filled event with lots of different activities for children with different abilities

A wonderful day filled with fun and excitement. All students were engaged with sport with a true focus on inclusivity

A super day! Excellent activities, organisation and leaders. Thank you

Key Stage 5 Sports Leaders from Nobel, Simon Balle and Richard Hale schools, who had previously received training through the Inclusion 2028 programme, led and facilitated all activities for the primary school pupils. The boccia sessions were supported by Ciaran Kiely, a No Limits 2026 Ambassador, alongside leaders from Knights Templar School and the Herts Disability Sports Foundation.