In March 2024, Active Essex were given the opportunity to work in partnership with The Straits Committee to take a group of young people to the 2024 Youth Games in France, in celebration of the Paris Olympic Games. The event was designed to provide young people with unparalleled opportunities for personal and social development. This year’s event saw 15 young participants from Essex travel to France to join peers from France, Holland, Belgium, and Kent in a celebration of youth, sports, and culture.
The aim of the event was to bring together young people, offering them a unique opportunity to learn, engage and grow amongst other like-minded individuals. The Essex cohort of participants were selected from the Essex ‘Leaders in Training’ programme, part of the Essex Activate Holiday and Food programme which is funded by the Department for Education. The young leaders were nominated by the deliverers they volunteer for who recognised their dedication and potential. These organisations were Achieve Thrive Flourish (ATF), Time for Change and Jack of All Sports.
During the three-day event, the attendees engaged in various educational and recreational activities, including workshops and youth forums. They were also lucky enough on one of the days to have the chance to meet and speak with some French Olympic athletes.
The experience aimed to broaden their horizons, develop their leadership skills, and meet with others, enhancing their social connections. The young people who represented their organisations took part in team building games and sporting activities, some of which they were trying for the first time, gaining new skills and creating lasting memories.
Returning from the trip, the young leaders were encouraged to continue their roles as volunteers within Essex ActivAte clubs and their respective organisations. They will also participate in the ‘Path to Paris’ power-up game sessions, leading warm up games and sharing their experiences from France. They have also been invited to apply to become Move With Us ambassadors and to take part in additional Leaders Academy programmes to help develop their leadership skills further and continue to make a positive impact.
The trip offered the young people, many of which are from areas of deprivation in Essex or facing other challenges in school, the chance to travel abroad, ‘skills’ to develop crucial life skills such as communication, and gain more confidence, and cultural awareness through their interactions and activities.
The event proved beneficial for those who attended. One participant with additional needs and is home schooled, was able to form new friendships and engage in group activities, which was an opportunity that before they could only dream of. Another participant gained more confidence on the trip, particularly in a dance workshop where he showcased his skills and performed in front of the whole group.
Reflecting on the trip, Chloe, a project leader, and Assistant Relationship Manager at Active Essex, said; “It was a pleasure to be part of this trip and see the young people grow in confidence over the three days. We were able to give these young people an opportunity to take part in many experiences from meeting athletes to workshops and sports. I am excited to see what the future holds for these young people and hope this trip has given them life skills they will not forget.”
Sian, another leader, added, “It was amazing to be a part of this trip and see firsthand how the young people thrived and developed. They grew in confidence and communication, but most importantly, it was clear that they were having a fantastic time whilst having new experiences.”
A young person that attended the trip explained; “I want to say a massive thank you to Active Essex for creating such a wonderful experience, I wouldn’t have met such lovely people without spending 3 days in France and making memories that will never be forgotten. There were so many laughs and true friendships built on the trip and it was truly an incredible experience. This trip made me feel connected to so many different people just by volunteering and I just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone.”
The project aligns with several of Active Essex’s strategic priorities, including strengthening communities and supporting young people, and the next steps involve providing additional funding to support these young leaders in their community organisations and develop further in the ongoing Move With Us ‘Leaders in Training’ programme.
The Straits Committee Youth Games 2024 not only provides a platform for young people to experience new cultures and sports, but also equips them with skills and memories to last a lifetime. It’s a great example of how targeted youth programmes can make a significant difference in the lives of young people, empowering them to become confident, engaged, and active members of their communities.
