Ali Oliver MBE, CEO of the Youth Sport Trust, has called for physical education (PE) and daily physical activity to be prioritised in schools, especially at a time when the nation needs the benefits of sport more than ever. Speaking at Holte High School in Birmingham during National School Sports Week, Oliver highlighted the vital role that regular exercise plays in young people’s mental and physical wellbeing.
Oliver, formerly Deputy Director of Sport at the University of Bath, attended the event to observe activities encouraging Muslim girls to engage in sports, supported by athletes and educators who promote inclusivity in sport for under-represented groups.
Now in its fourth year, the campaign is delivered in partnership with Sports Direct, with additional support from their Everlast brand and boxing star Conor Benn, who fronts this year’s campaign themed ‘This Summer of Sport.’ This theme taps into global sporting events such as the men’s football World Cup, the Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup, Wimbledon, and the Commonwealth Games, presenting a powerful opportunity to inspire young people to get active and discover sports they love.
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Throughout National School Sports Week, schools across the UK host inclusive events using free, adaptable resources — from Commonwealth Games fitness circuits to retro playground games, football challenges, and Conor Benn’s unique boxing-themed ‘Destroyer Circuit.’ To ensure access to sport for all students, Sports Direct donated 500 equipment packs to participating schools, while Everlast provided 65 sports bras worth nearly £2,000 to Holte High to support girls’ breast health.
Oliver stressed, “Society needs PE and sport lessons now more than ever. PE should help every young person find a form of exercise and sport they enjoy while understanding the essential role of movement and physical activity.”
She added, “Sport supports mental wellbeing and helps build key life skills such as teamwork, resilience, communication, and respect. For many young people, PE lessons can be the highlight of their week, offering fun, freedom, and connection.”
National School Sports Week launched in Elephant and Castle, London, and is travelling across the UK to cities like Manchester, North Wales, and Bournemouth, showcasing exceptional school sports programmes. During the event at Holte High, pupils heard from Commonwealth Games hopeful Noorin Gulam and engaged in conversations about breast health, reinforcing the importance of open dialogue.
Oliver reflected, “National School Sports Week is one of my favourite times of the year. School PE is more inclusive, relevant, and valued than ever before. At Holte High, Muslim girls enjoyed a fantastic sports festival — a rare and inspiring example other schools should consider adopting.”
She concluded, “Many of these girls face barriers outside of school, attending madrasa or coming from families where sport is not a priority. But here, they empower each other to feel they belong through sport, which is truly wonderful.”
The Youth Sport Trust, a leading UK children’s charity founded in 1995, works with around 20,000 schools to improve young people’s wellbeing through sport and play. Its mission is to empower young people and educators to transform lives and ensure every child benefits from the power of sport.