A FITNESS programme for young people across Herefordshire and Worcestershire has been shortlisted for an award.
The School Fitness Festival, a collaboration between Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire, The Academy Programme and British Weightlifting, has been shortlisted in the Young Person Impact category at the Your School Games Impact Awards.
Created in 2024, the programme brings students across Herefordshire and Worcestershire from underserved communities to a specialised gym space to learn about the benefits of functional fitness from expert trainers.
Driven by youth voice, the festival was a response to the evident interest in the sport, with four schools securing approval through the Opening School Facilities Fund for Functional Fitness/Weightlifting equipment.
Kerrie O’Mahony, Strategic Lead for Children and Young people at Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire, said: “To be recognised for The School Fitness Festival is incredibly special for our team.
“Through strong collaborative working, we have been able to create something really special for children and young people across our counties, introducing a form of physical activity which they may have not found themselves.
“I am proud of us, and everyone involved in this journey and want to extend my thanks to our collaborative partners for making this happen.”
Presenting Functional Fitness as an alternative provision highlights its enjoyable, social, and non-competitive nature. The sport also reaches discipline, self-confidence, and a positive body image, laying the foundation for lifelong fitness habits.
Hannah Mittoo, Co-Founder and Director of the Academy Programme, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that The School Fitness Festival has been shortlisted.
“We believe the lessons learned inside the gym walls can transcend far beyond the gym doors, building confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging that young people carry into every part of their lives.
“To see this work recognised is a huge honour, and it’s a credit to the schools, partners, and young people who brought the festival to life.”
The School Games Impact Awards is the School Games recognition scheme, designed to celebrate the impact achieved for young people by the network of schools, School Games Organisers, Active Partnerships, National Governing Bodies of sport, and National Disability Sports Organisations all aligned to the School Games key outcomes.
The Impact Awards Dinner Ceremony and Awards Evening will take place on Tuesday 2 June 2026.
