Current Students and Staff

// University News

2 Sep 2016

2016 School Games underway

The 2016 School Games started with a bang last night at Loughborough University with a spectacular outdoor opening ceremony in Shirley Pearce Square.

The audience, which included the 1,600 young athletes, were treated to a wide array of performances from singers, dancers and choirs who took to the stage with impressive displays. The highlight of the night however was the appearances of School Games alumni and Olympic & Paralympic champions Max Whitlock, Liz Johnson and Alex Danson on stage, to rapturous applause.  

Earlier in the day Whitlock led a gymnastics masterclass for some of the gymnasts who will be competing over the weekend, showing them how he trains and sharing his words of wisdom.

The double Rio 2016 Olympic champion said:

“I was reserve for the School Games just a few years ago so you guys are all already ahead of where I was at your age. My advice to you all is to take in the experience – this is a massive stepping stone towards what could potentially be your future.

“This is your mini Olympics so enjoy it, go out there and do your very best and if you make any mistakes you’ve got plenty more time, as you’re still young, so just enjoy it and take it all in.”

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