I never thought I’d be able to do that…..

From circus skills to yoga, over 1100 students take part in our 2025 school games festival, achieving things they never thought possible.

“I never thought I’d be able to do that, not ever” was just one of the amazing comments overheard at the Hampshire School Games Festival this year.

Children between the ages of eight and eleven from over 100 Hampshire and Isle of Wight Schools, once again took over Winchester Sports and Leisure Park to experience the School Games Festival, which provides fun and different physical activity experiences.

The day started with all the schools together, completing a parade lap and warm up before the children took part in some of the 40 activities on offer. From the more traditional rugby and athletics to yoga, drumming and Paralympic disciplines.

Schools are encouraged to bring students that may not regularly take part in school sport activities. It’s a safe, positive, environment to try something new, get active and most importantly – have fun!

One teacher said “This is the best day of the year for us, we love the school games. We did Quidditch and Silent Disco and everyone really got into it. I especially like that activities mix different school groups together as it’s great for their social skills. We will definitely be back next year.”

The latest data for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight shows that over half of our young people are not active enough. 50.2% are not meeting the guidelines for young people between the ages of 5 and 18 which recommends an average of 60 minutes of moderate activity a day. Being active is proven to improve focus and attainment, and more importantly boost the physical and mental wellbeing of young people.

The day is made possible thanks to the collaboration with Hampshire School Games organisers. It’s supported by over 200 volunteers, including students from local colleges and national sporting bodies.

Head of Children and Young People at Energise Me, Sharon Robertson said “Traditional sports teams and competitive environments, aren’t right for everyone. At the festival we’re trying to give young people positive experiences of other options, to allow them to try something they’ve never tried before.

“The biggest lesson we hope they go home with, is that being active can be fun”

The Hampshire School Games Festival has been running for over 25 years and is funded by the National Lottery and Sport England.