June 24, 2025

Excitement is building across the county as more than 1000 children and young people get ready to come together for the 2025 Cumbria School Games, a countywide celebration of movement, teamwork and active lifestyles.

Taking place on Thursday 26 June in Carlisle at Sheepmount Athletics Stadium, Bitts Park and The Sands Centre, this vibrant event will bring pupils from Years 1 to 8 together for a full day of positive, inclusive, energising activity - designed to inspire, engage and connect.

The programme is packed with a wide range of fun, non-competitive activities including golf, dance, dodgeball, and orienteering. There’ll also be opportunities to try a variety of multi-skills challenges such as archery, obstacle courses, trail races, and crossbow. And new for 2025! – Key Stage 1 Panathlon event for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Athletics is also new for 2025 as is a Games event for children in years 5-8 to help support with the transition from primary to secondary school.

The Cumbria School Games isn’t about winning - it’s about getting involved, having fun, and enjoying the benefits of being active with others. Whether trying something new or building confidence, the day supports young people’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing in a supportive, uplifting environment.

The festival kicks off with an energising opening ceremony at Sheepmount Athletics Stadium hosted by BBC Radio Cumbria, featuring a special dance performance by Carlisle based Studio A Dance Company.

Local sporting heroes Lauren Smith – Olympic and Commonwealth Games Badminton star and David King - an eight-time British national champion in pair skating - will be there to welcome everyone and share a message of encouragement.

More than 100 Young Leaders from primary and secondary schools including Robert Ferguson Primary School Carlisle, Lakes School Windermere, and Furness Academy Barrow-in-Furness, will take on important roles throughout the day. Trained to guide activities and support their peers, they’ll help bring the event to life - promoting values like respect, teamwork, determination, honesty, and self-belief.

The Cumbria School Games are organised by Active Cumbria in collaboration with schools, School Games Organisers, local clubs, sport governing bodies and community partners.

Active Cumbria Development Officer, Children and Young People Lead, and organiser of Cumbria School Games Kirsty Williamson, said: ““The Cumbria School Games is a true celebration of getting active in a fun and inclusive way.

“It brings children and young people together from all corners of the county to try something new, build confidence, and experience the joy of movement as part of something bigger.”

As part of Active Cumbria’s commitment to reducing plastic waste through the national ‘Kick Out Plastic in Sport’ campaign, every participant will receive a reusable water bottle, with refill stations available throughout the day. Event materials and supplies have also been carefully chosen with sustainability at the forefront.