Liverpool School Sports Partnership shortlisted for School Games Impact Award
by Educate Magazine July 5, 2024 · Education News
Liverpool School Sports Partnership (LSSP) has won a School Games Impact Award in the Engaging Schools category for its unique primary school programme across Liverpool.
The national awards are a School Games recognition scheme established to showcase the changemakers and celebrate those who are making a positive difference in young people’s lives, and those who can inspire others to do the same.
The Impact Awards celebrate the impact achieved for young people by the network of schools, School Games organisers, active partnerships, national governing bodies of sport, and national disability sports organisations all aligned to the School Games’ key outcomes.
The Engaging Schools category recognises schools that engage with the School Games mission and vision through local and county provisions to develop a deeper understanding of the benefits of physical activity, school sport and competition.
LSSP was recognised for its POWER (physical, openness, wellbeing and emotional regulation) programme.
The bespoke programme was developed in response to the growing obesity rates of reception-aged children (20 per cent) and Year 6 children (10 per cent) in Liverpool.
It covered several topics and took a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. It also covered digestion, nutrition, mental health and dental health.
LSSP delivered a range of whole-school assemblies where the POWER concept was introduced, followed by the delivery of bespoke workshops that explored different elements of the programme in more depth.
Across the 2022/23 academic year, LSSP engaged 47 schools and over 2,800 children. A whopping 71 per cent of children reported an increase in physical activity and changes in behaviour and attitude towards food and drink.
Partnership manager at LSSP, Jimmy McGinn, said: “LSSP’s POWER programme has not only inspired schools but has significantly impacted the lives of thousands of children. This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in promoting physical and mental wellbeing in our young people. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together and excited about the future.”
Cara Newton from North West Cancer Research, said: “We are delighted to partner with LSSP on the POWER programme. The programme took an innovative and creative approach, and meant we could work collaboratively towards a common goal.
“It is incredible to see that the programme has had a significant impact and has resulted in real change. We hope to continue working in partnership with LSSP on more projects.”
The School Games Impact Awards ceremony took place in Telford on Tuesday, 11 June.
