Coventry University to play integral part as International Children’s Games return to Coventry

Coventry University is playing an instrumental role in welcoming a world-renowned youth sports tournament to the city as the International Children’s Games returns to Coventry this summer.

The annual sporting event is sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee and is to be held in Coventry for the second time in its history this year from 11th to 16th August – making the city the first in the UK to host the Games more than once.

Coventry University is supporting the event by helping deliver the 3v3 Basketball in Broadgate in the city centre, while 6-a-side football matches will be held at the university’s Westwood Heath sports facility.

Students, graduates, staff, and Coventry University Students’ Union will be involved in coaching some of GB’s teams at the games or refereeing matches and events, including volunteering to help ensure the games run smoothly.

Rob Eddon is the Assistant Sports Manager at Coventry University Students’ Union and the Basketball Manager for the Games.

He said: “To bring international youth basketball to the city and for the university to play such a pivotal role is both a great privilege and a really exciting opportunity.

“The chance for our staff and students to give back to Coventry’s community is one that we’re really relishing. I have huge respect for our coaches and I have no doubt that they’ll do a phenomenal job. If you think of the Olympics but for under 15s, that’s the kind of level we’re at. We have teams coming to Coventry from more than 30 countries for the basketball program, 25 boys’ teams and 17 girls’ teams, so it really will feel like a mini Olympics here in the city.”

Coventry University graduate Nicole Aboderin, who is sports coordinator for Coventry University Students’ Union, will be involved in coaching basketball.

She said: “I’m really excited to be getting involved with coaching the under 15 girls’ basketball team as part of the Games. It’s not every day that an opportunity like this comes about and I’m really glad I can be a part of such an exciting event. There’s a lot to show off in Coventry and we’re really looking forward to sharing the city with the rest of the world.”

Coventry University is playing a significant role in hosting this year’s games, with Head of Sport, Physical Activity and Commercial Services Gemma Lavery chairing the Games Committee.

She said: “It is wonderful to see such collaboration across the city. The passion and enthusiasm demonstrated by all sports team managers is incredible. It is clear our games will be one to remember.”

John Timms, Event Director for the International Children’s Games 2022, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming over 1,200 young athletes and their coaches from over 70 cities from across the world. Coventry University have been a key collaborator in the planning and delivery of the Games and extending our offer to ensure the athletes have an amazing experience by providing Event Management support for our sports competitions and helping us to activate our sports competitions. It’s a pleasure to work with the university.”