Building on the positive momentum already generated by Birmingham 2026’s impact plan ‘Beyond’ – a programme created to inspire positive, lasting change across the region linked to this summer’s European Athletics Championships (10-16 August) – themed educational resources designed to connect local schools with this showpiece event are now available.
The free-to-use resources, which can be downloaded from the official event website, are targeted at young people aged 7-14 (key stage 2 and 3) and have been created and produced by the Birmingham 2026 organising team and educational consultancy Hark.
The introductory session (‘Introduction to the European Athletics Championships’) can be used as a way to introduce the Championships before carrying out activities in the accompanying ‘Beyond Limits’ activity pack. It can also be used to build young people’s excitement through creative discussions and interactive activities.
The ‘Beyond Limits’ activity pack aims to bring the Championships to life. Structured around three themes – ‘Discover’, ‘Create and celebrate’, and ‘Give it a go’ – it gives young people the chance to discover their own 'wow' moment, whether sport-related or in their wider lives.
Chris Moss, the Birmingham 2026 Impact Lead, said: “The Beyond programme provides a fantastic opportunity to harness the energy and excitement of the Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships. By developing these excellent free and accessible educational resources, we’re connecting schools across the West Midlands and the UK with an event we believe can inspire everyone.
“This project is such an important one to all of our stakeholders. The activities are easily adaptable based on available time, space and group diversity, ensuring every young person can participate, and we hope that by getting involved, they will discover what makes athletics extraordinary.”
The Beyond framework, which has been built to connect partners, create new opportunities and amplify existing initiatives, is shaped by three central pillars: providing community benefit through athletics and running; delivering an environmentally conscious championships; and improving accessibility and inclusion for all.
Activities aligned with Beyond include support for the Daily Mile in schools and the Birmingham 2026 Miles Challenge, as well as a whole range of other activities and opportunities that use the championships as a platform to help deliver significant impact before, during and after the event.
The Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships take place from 10-16 August. Tickets are on sale now.
For more about the Beyond programme, click here.