South Yorkshire School Games Winter Festival 2026

The South Yorkshire Winter School Games Festival welcomed over 900 children from schools across the county.  This popular event is designed to balance high level competition with opportunities for wider participation has inclusivity and accessibility at it's heart.

Children came to compete in county finals and to have a go in the festival's 'inspire and engage' events,  giving children who would not usually take part the chance to enjoy new, exciting and unfamiliar sports.

Events included:

• Primary and Secondary Penathlon - a multi sport competition for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), featuring adapted activities that support inclusion, confidence, and skill development.
• Sports Showcase - opportunity for pupils to try a range of different sports and activities.
• Primary and secondary Sportshall Athletics county finals - including track and field - style competitions with teams representing schools and districts. 

Emma Lea - YSF Events Manager said: "Events like the South Yorkshire School Games Winter Festival showcase the true power of creating opportunities for every young person to take part and feel valued.

"By offering a diverse range of activities, we are reaching more children than ever before and helping them experience the wide-ranging benefits of being active."