AN AWARD winning fitness festival has returned to support children and young people across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
On June 17, the School Fitness Festival welcomed 106 attendees to the University of Worcester’s St John’s campus for a day of weightlifting and functional fitness in a fun and inclusive setting.
This event, created by Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire in collaboration with The Academy Programme and British Weightlifting, aims to embed functional fitness and weightlifting into school settings as an alternative to traditional sports and physical activity.
It hoped to reduce inequalities in physical activity by providing inclusive and engaging opportunities for young people who are often underrepresented in sport and physical activity.
Over 11 schools from across the two counties attended the event, where specialist coaches guided them through a host of exercises and lifting techniques – whilst having a lot of fun along the way.
Jackie Latham, Senior Children and Young People Project Officer, said: “It was a fantastic day at the School Fitness Festival, and I want to thank all of the brilliant attendees and their school staff for making the day so special.
“The deliverers were exceptional, and you could see the engagement from the young people and the growth in confidence throughout the day as they became more settled.
“Functional fitness and weightlifting may not have previously been seen as an activity these young people would consider, but our hope is now that we may have inspired a future generation to continue exploring these and other ways to keep active.”
Earlier this month, the event won the prestigious Young Person Impact award at the School Games Impact Awards 2026. With the event now being in its third year, it has developed and grown over time to the point of national recognition.
Stephen Brewster, chief executive officer at Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire, said: “This most recent was another huge success for the School Fitness Festival following its recent award win.
“It is brilliant to see the children who will most benefit from the lessons and experiences taught on the day attend, as building lasting relationships with sport and physical activity is incredibly important.
“My hope is for the students that attended to remember those positive experiences that the event brings and take that passion away with them.
“A massive congratulations to our Children and Young People team, as well as all the fantastic partners that made this event happen once again.”
