This October, London Youth Games proudly joins the celebration of Black History Month by shining a spotlight on the incredible contributions of Black athletes who have shaped the world of sport and made a significant impact on youth development. Throughout the month, we’ll highlight influential Black sportspeople, who not only excelled in their respective fields but have used their platforms to advocate for racial equality and inspire the next generation. We will also be hearing from young members of our LYG33 youth board, who share their perspectives on the importance of Black History Month, as well as from volunteers and our Board members.

This year’s theme for Black History Month is “Reclaiming Narratives,” acknowledging and appreciating the myriad contributions of Black individuals throughout history.

London Youth Games Chair, Geoff Thompson MBE, has a 35 year track record which includes delivering initiatives at major sporting events, such as London 2012. He is Founder and Chair of Youth Charter, working within communities to create opportunities for young people, particularly those who are disadvantaged and disaffected. He has a wealth of knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion, and spent his early career as an Area Sports Officer for Hammersmith and Fulham. Geoff Thompson said: “Every young person should have a chance through sport to develop in life, regardless of what they look like, where they come from or what they sound like. I’m Committed to seeing a London Youth Games for Everyone!”

Beth, Inclusion Lead for LYG33’s youth engagement and leadership programme, also reflects on what this month means for sport and the power of representation: “Black History Month is about recognizing the contributions of Black athletes to the sports world. As Inclusion Lead LYG33 youth board, I believe that sport should be accessible to everyone especially people of African and Caribbean decent. Sport should be a welcoming space for people from all backgrounds. It is imperative to that young people like me see athletes who look like us achieving greatness not just behind the screen but in front of it. We should be able to see a black equestrians, swimmers and gymnasts on TV not only in traditional sporting fields like track and field. Black History Month is a time to reflect and celebrate all those that remain fearlessly rooted in their identity, whether they walk amongst us or above us.”

Rebbeca Williams, Chair for LYG33’s youth engagement and leadership programme, added: “To me as a black athlete, it’s important that I use black history month to go out and inspire other young girls and young boys from minority backgrounds to keep striving and to just work their best and to be an influence for them as well.”

To kick off the month, we’re spotlighting Raheem Sterling, a London Youth Games alum who represented Brent. Today, Raheem is one of football’s brightest stars and a strong advocate for racial equality, highlighting the need for more Black coaches and leaders in football, with the aim to inspire the next generation of Black youth. Through his foundation, Raheem is committed to supporting young people from disadvantaged and Black communities, offering opportunities in education, employment, and life skills.

We celebrate rugby legend Maggie Alphonsi, a true trailblazer in the world of sport who competed in the London Youth Games for Enfield as a youngster. As one of the few Black women in rugby, Maggie broke barriers to become one of the most successful England players in history, winning a World Cup and helping England win a record breaking seven consecutive Six Nations crowns. Maggie is a powerful advocate for diversity and inclusion, using her platform to make rugby and sport more inclusive for all.

Throughout the month, we will celebrate more inspirational figures, including:

– Rio Ferdinand, who represented Southwark in the London Youth Games before becoming one of the most decorated English footballers. His Rio Ferdinand Foundation is dedicated to supporting young people in disadvantaged communities and promoting racial equality in sport. Raised in Peckham, Rio created the Rio Ferdinand Foundation to support young people in disadvantaged communities. He continues to be a leading voice for racial equality in sport, speaking out against racism and pushing for meaningful change.

-Alex Scott, a London Youth Games alumni from Tower Hamlets, was one of England’s most successful female footballers and has since made her mark in sports broadcasting, breaking down barriers in a traditionally male-dominated space. Alex is a passionate advocate for equality and diversity in sports and media, aiming to make football a more inclusive space.

-Mo Farah, the most successful male track distance runner in history, took part in London Youth Games in his early days in sport. Mo champions shining a light on getting children the support they deserve. He is a strong advocate for empowering more children from all backgrounds to be physically active.

– Christine Ohuruogu, Olympic, 2 x World and Commonwealth Champion, grew up in Newham and competed in the London Youth Games. Christine is a champion of racial equality in sport and she continues to inspire young athletes to break through barriers, just as she did. She supports a number of charities and is passionate about giving opportunities for all children of all ages to get involved in sports.

– Luol Deng, a two-time NBA All-Star and former London Youth Games competitor, is a passionate advocate for youth development. Through his foundation, he’s using basketball as a tool for hope and empowerment, supporting youth in Africa, the US, and the UK. His commitment to youth development makes him a true role model both on and off the court.

Join us throughout October as we continue to share stories, celebrate Black excellence in sport, and highlight the power of sport to inspire change.

Explore the Black Historywise free Education Pack for All, courtesy of Youth Charter, here: https://www.youthcharter.org/black-historywise-exhibition