Inclusive Sports Celebration provides over 300 young people with the opportunity to take part in Physical Activity

Active Essex

The ‘Invincible Games’, is the annual sports festival organised by Active Essex and the Multi-School Council. This year’s event celebrated the 10th anniversary of the games.

This year the event took place on Wednesday 25th June 2025.

Hosted at Basildon Sporting Village, the games saw over 300 students from 15 special schools in Essex take part in a wide range of inclusive events and sporting activities, including Boccia, Seated Volleyball, Rock Climbing and Fencing with all activities being decided on by through the power of youth voice the students.

The inclusive event is designed for students with special needs or disabilities that attend SEND schools from across Essex, who are encouraged to take part in three different pathways of activity throughout the day; compete, develop and participation. The day celebrates difference and helps provide students a positive experience towards physical activity, also providing them with an inclusive platform to express themselves and try new things that they might not have access to normally in school.

In attendance were special guests including Paris 2024 Bronze medallist and Active Essex Ambassador Lewis Richardson, who helped open the games alongside Charlie Latimer, who first came up with the idea of the multisport event, initially called the Special School Games, when attending a SEND school herself. Her opening speech included inspiring words into how she overcame the fact there was no opportunities for people like her to take part in sport and physical activity-based events and how she worked to change this.

Back by popular demand, the DJ from the Essex Music Services provided a sensory alternative to the activities on offer, providing those that attended the chance to try something new through the form of mixing music. The fruit stall also returned, managed by the young leaders in attendance and offered everyone the chance to grab a healthy snack throughout the day.

As part of the day, young leaders from a host of different schools are encouraged to help the coaches and deliverers facilitate the sessions to help develop personal skills and their knowledge of the Sport and Physical Activity Sector and its career prospects. 56 young leaders helped at this year’s Invincible games from 4 different schools and colleges across the county.

The Invincible Games is a London 2012 legacy event that aims to inspire young people through the legacy of the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Active Essex ‘Move With Us’ campaign furthers this commitment to inspiring the next generation, helping them find their active and increasing their positive attitudes towards physical activity.

 

“Events like the 2025 Active Essex Invincible Games are a shining example of what happens when we put inclusion, ambition, and youth voice at the heart of everything we do. I was incredibly proud to witness the energy, determination, and joy of every participant. These Games don’t just celebrate sport—they celebrate possibility.”

Cllr Tony Ball, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability

 

“It was fantastic to see the Invincible Games in action, with over 300 pupils from 15 SEND schools engaging in a wide range of inclusive activities—each one chosen through the Multi Schools Council, placing youth voice at the heart of the event. With the support of more than 50 young leaders, the Games truly embodied the message that no matter who you are, anything is possible. The positive energy and enthusiasm on display will hopefully inspire continued participation in physical activity and help build a more inclusive future for all.”

Tom Weller, Active Essex Relationship Development Officer

 

“It was a pleasure to be invited to attend this year’s Invincible Games, reminding me why I fell in love with sport and physical activity in the first place. It’s not just about winning medals or titles, it’s about creating communities and building resilience. Events like this one inspire the next generation to believe in their own strength. These Games brought together students from every walk of life, each with their own story of perseverance. To share that stage, to cheer others on, and to be cheered in return, it’s a powerful reminder that sport has the ability to unite and uplift. I’m proud to have played a part in something so meaningful.”

Lewis Richardson, Paris 2024 Bronze Medallist and Active Essex Ambassador

 

The Invincible Games are much more than children just taking part in physical activity. They help to build young peoples like skills, supporting their confidence, resilience, teamwork, and creativity. The healthy competition helps build friendships across schools, also supporting their mental wellbeing.