Olympics inspire young athletes in Cambridgeshire
Dozens of athletes from our region are competing in this year's games
We're hearing the ongoing Olympic Games are having a significant impact on young people in Cambridgeshire, motivating them to participate in sports and physical activities.
David Welch, Children and Young People Manager at Living Sport, highlights the Games' influence on local sports engagement.
David, who has been with Living Sport for nearly two years, noted the widespread appeal of the Olympics, saying, “The Olympics is always a fantastic watch for any sports fan. It introduces people to new sports and inspires them to pursue activities they might not have considered before.”
He reflected on the legacy of past Olympic Games, pointing to the success of London 2012 as an example. “The success of cycling in London 2012 encouraged many people to get active and ride their bikes,” David stated. He believes such events create lasting legacies by inspiring people to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
Living Sport, which operates across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, benefits from a strong sports infrastructure. David emphasised the role of local sports figures, such as Olympic gymnast Jake Jarman, in motivating young people. “Using role models like Jake Jarman helps us engage young people and break down barriers in sports,” he said.
Addressing the challenges in maintaining sports participation, David stressed the importance of providing ongoing opportunities and support for young people. He cited successful initiatives such as signposting participants to local sports clubs after introductory projects. “We want to help young people continue their involvement in physical activities,” David explained.
David also discussed barriers to sports participation, including transportation and accessibility issues. He noted that organising smaller, local events can help address travel and cost concerns. Additionally, he highlighted the role of technology and social media in promoting physical activity, stating, “Integrating technology and social media to encourage movement is crucial.”
Looking forward to the Paris 2024 Olympics, David expressed optimism about the potential for continued inspiration. “The inspirational stories from the Olympics can motivate people of all ages to engage in physical activity,” he said. David emphasised that it is never too late to start participating in sports and that the Games have a broad impact on communities.