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Sport Makes a Difference!

Sport is just the beginning

by Helen Gwynne-Kinsey

Suitable for Key Stage 2

Aims

To consider the aims of the Commonwealth Games and the importance of sport for everyone.

Preparation and materials

Assembly

  1. Ask the children whether they know what special event is happening in Birmingham at the end of July.

    Listen to a range of responses.

    Explain that from 28 July to 8 August, the Commonwealth Games will be happening in Birmingham.

  2. The Commonwealth Games is an important sporting event that is held every four years. It attracts world-class athletes and sportspeople from countries that are members of the Commonwealth.

  3. Most of the countries in the Commonwealth were once governed by Britain as part of the British Empire. In fact, when the first Commonwealth Games was held in 1930 in Canada, it was called the British Empire Games. However, since 1978, the event has been known as the Commonwealth Games.

  4. Before the event begins, there is the Queen’s Baton Relay. The baton contains a message from the Head of the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II, and will visit 72 Commonwealth nations and territories. The relay began its 269-day journey at Buckingham Palace in October 2021. The Queen’s message to the Commonwealth will be read at the opening ceremony in Birmingham.

  5. Significantly, the Commonwealth Games is known as the Friendly Games. It aims to unite the Commonwealth family through sport and provides a chance for the Commonwealth nations to compete on a level playing field in a spirit of friendship and fair play.

  6. This video sets out the mission for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

    Show the YouTube video ‘Sport is just the beginning’ (2.03 minutes long).



  7. The video explains why the Commonwealth Games is more than just a sporting competition. Its emphasis on the core values of humanity, equality and destiny underlines its mission to change lives for the better. It sets an example of inclusivity by ensuring that there are opportunities for everyone to be able to compete. Sport brings communities together, and communities that are united have the power to change the world.

Time for reflection

Ask the children whether they know the meaning of the words ‘humanity’, ‘equality’ and ‘destiny’.

Listen to a range of responses.

Humanity relates to what it means to be human. As humans, we should all have the right to dignity, and to be treated with respect.

If appropriate, encourage the children to discuss the word in groups, focusing particularly on what showing humanity might mean in school.

Listen to a range of responses.

Equality means that everyone should have access to the same opportunities.

If appropriate, encourage the children to discuss the word in groups, focusing particularly on what equality might mean in school.

Listen to a range of responses.

Destiny relates to things that will happen in the future. As citizens of the world, we should aim to move forward in unity, working together for positive change in the world.

If appropriate, encourage the children to discuss the word in groups, focusing particularly on what moving forward in unity might mean in school.

Listen to a range of responses.

Prayer
Dear Lord,
Please help us to understand our place in the world more clearly.
Please help us to grow in our understanding of the needs of others.
Please help us to become more considerate towards other people.
Please let our actions enable others to flourish and be happy.
Please help us to see that each of us is important in making the school a better place for one another.
Amen.

Song/music

‘A million dreams’ from the film The Greatest Showman, sung by One Voice Children’s Choir, available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v49-3Xp5fPg (4.53 minutes long)

‘When I needed a neighbour’, available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7a7LdgRh-k (1.49 minutes long)

Publication date: July 2022   (Vol.24 No.7)    Published by SPCK, London, UK.
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