Last Thursday, we were delighted to welcome guests to the Workforce Celebration Evening 2024, supported by the City of London Corporation, at their impressive and historic Livery Hall. This event highlighted the outstanding contributions of the London Youth Games community, including the 2024 LYG33 cohort, GamesForce volunteers, and other key individuals who have significantly impacted both the London Youth Games and wider sport across London.

We were honoured to be hosting this evening at the historic Guildhall, a venue that has welcomed royalty, state visitors, and notable civic events throughout its long history. We extend our sincere thanks to the City of London Corporation for providing such a prestigious setting.

For 47 years, the London Youth Games have been an amazing celebration of young Londoners, bringing together communities across generations in a spirit of mutual respect, confidence, and trust. We are committed to making sure crucial sporting opportunities reach those who need them most. The evening offered an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the positive impact of a range of individuals on young Londoners through their support and involvement in the Games.

Geoff Thompson, Chair of London Youth Games, said: “This evening is the combination of the year’s work and everybody who contributes to the London Youth Games experience. It recognises our volunteers and our LYG33; the real golden thread of the voice of London impacting the future of London and the future of London Youth Games.”

The evening began with reflections on the 2023/24 season, followed by a section led by LYG33, our youth engagement and leadership programme, which empowers young Londoners to influence the future of London Youth Games and sport.

We also celebrated and inducted LYG Alumni into our growing Hall of Fame which celebrates amazing Londoners that have taken part in the London Youth Games.

Sam Reardon, double Olympic medallist in Paris 2024 in the 4×400 men’s and 4×400 mixed, said: “The Workforce Celebration Event has been a great evening where youngsters have come up and explained how they got involved with London Youth Games and it’s been great to hear their stories. London Youth Games was a massive part of my upbringing and how I fell in love with athletics.”

Noah Williams, Olympic silver and bronze medallist from Paris 2024 Olympics, added: “London Youth Games was a great competition. Especially when I was younger, getting to do competitions was a good experience and representing Hackney, where I grew up and still live, is the best thing ever! I loved doing it every year!”

Hilmy Shawwal T54 wheelchair racer for Tanzania in Paris 2024 Paralympics said: “I was the flag bearer at the Paralympics and it’s an achievement that I will forever be proud of. Competing in the London Youth Games is an amazing achievement. I had the privilege of many years all the way up to 6^th form representing my borough Ealing , breaking the LYG record and just being a part of disability sport through to the Paralympics is truly amazing.”

The second half of the evening recognised the invaluable contributions of our GamesForce volunteers and outstanding inclusive coaches and leaders within our community.

Patricia Andrews said: “I’ve been part of the youth games for the past 45 years in various roles. My first encounter with LYG was when I watched it in 1977. I was fortunate to be selected in 1979 to compete in the squash, netball and athletics events for Waltham Forest. It led into my career as an athlete where I competed in javelin at county level, and then competing for England and Great Britain. I’ve not just been a coach and competitor, but I’ve also been an advocate and ambassador for London Youth Games so spreading the word through sports through my PE career for 37 years. I think the games has got such a great platform for people to springboard off and have so many different careers and variety of roles.”   

Our work would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and partners, including Sport England, School Games, London Sport, Mayor of London, City Bridge Foundation, The City of London Corporation, Rosterfy, and Peter Harrison Foundation.

As we look forward across the next three years to our 50th anniversary, we’re excited about continuing to deliver the London 2012 legacy pledge to inspire a generation and ensuring the London Youth Games is where young people can thrive alongside their communities.

But we need your support to continue empowering young people. Your donation can help us provide even more opportunities for young leaders to develop their skills, make their voices heard, and create positive change.

Please consider donating today through GivenGain.