COVENTRY could again host ‘the children’s Olympics’, as the council considers an invitation from the International Children’s Games.
Held each year, the ICG has 12 – 15 year olds competing in track and field events.
The city hosted the International Children’s Games previously in 2005, with many events held at the University of Warwick.
Now Coventry council is looking to host the 2022 games, from 17-22 August 2022.
This year’s event in Coventry’s twin city of Kecskemet in Hungary has been cancelled owing to the coronavirus pandemic.
Organised by current cabinet member Councillor John Mutton, the 2005 games saw around 1,250 athletes and swimmers compete in five major sporting events, attracting visitors from 33 countries, 53 cities and four continents.
Coventry participants have now been participating in the event for more than 20 years and in the 2022 Games, there will be eight sports for competitors aged between 12-15.
Sports will include basketball, swimming, tennis, table tennis, athletics, six-a-side football, three-on-three basketball and climbing.
As a special addition a 3km Fun Run will also be held. The run will be open to all ages and abilities to increase participation in sport and engagement with the event across the city.
The formal invitation to the city to host the games has come from Torsten Rasch, the President of the International ICG Committee.
Coventry council said: “Approval is being sought to support the cost of hosting the games, up to a maximum of £1 million, funded from corporate reserves with the expectation of reducing the total cost to the Council through sponsorship and fundraising.”
Councillor Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Events, Coventry City Council, said: “The International Children’s Games will follow directly from the Commonwealth Games and be a brilliant opportunity to cement the city’s reputation as a host of major international sporting competitions.
“If we are to host this fantastic event, it will attract 100 participating cities from around the world and is expected to bring around 2,000 people to Coventry.
“As well as the benefits to the economy, the event will provide a sporting legacy, which ultimately is excellent news for everyone in Coventry.
“The fact that we have been formally invited by the President of the ICG is again testament to their confidence that Coventry can deliver another superb event and our reputation for being a welcoming host for international occasions.
“Knowing the ICG is coming will be a springboard for the sport and physical activity sector and galvanise its recovery. I look forward to hearing more positive news about this in the future.”
The International Children’s Games was first held in 1968, starting out as an athletics competition in Celje, Slovenia and some years later evolved into the annual event and recognised by the International Olympic Committee.
