Success as first International Children’s Games athletes representing Coventry are selected

Cllrs with secondary students at ICG basketball event

Team Coventry’s first selection event took place yesterday at Barr’s Hill School to select Coventry’s basketball 3x3 team for the International Children’s Games this summer.

Eleven boys aged 12-15 were selected and will now go to the basketball 3x3 boot camp in the buildup to the Games. 

Both of Coventry’s School Games Organisers - Danny Kingham and Stuart Davoile along with Marcus Garvey and Kieran Joseph - who coach in Coventry's schools - helped organise the event and select the squad.  

All secondary schools in Coventry were invited to bring along their teams to the selection event so that they could have the chance to be a part of Team Coventry during the Games. 

The 11 boys were picked from the following local schools; Ernesford Grange Community Academy, Cardinal Wiseman School, Stoke Park School, Grace Academy, Barr’s Hill School, Lyng Hall School, Whitley Academy and Seva School.  

Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader Coventry City Council and Chair of the International Children's Games Stakeholder Board, said: “I’m really pleased I got to see the first of the Team Coventry selection events kick off. 

“All of the boys who attended with their school were brilliant – we have such talent in our city.  I’m really looking forward to seeing who makes the final cut as they will be the first official athletes to make Team Coventry as we compete against more than 80 cities in the Games this summer. 

“I’m looking forward to seeing more of the selection events for the other sports as we continue to build our Team Coventry.” 

Mr Bowser, Grace Academy Coventry, said: “We are absolutely buzzing at the fact that the International Children’s Games is coming to Coventry and at the opportunities it’s given to our students here.” 

Jaiden, selected to be in the basketball 3x3 squad from Grace Academy, added: “I mean, basketball means everything to me, so I’m so happy to be here.” 

The International Children's Games in Coventry will be the first in the history of the Games to be inclusive and see disabilities celebrated throughout. Coventry also aims to make the Games the greenest ever, making conscious decisions to ensure sustainability. 

Basketball 3x3 will take place in Broadgate in Coventry’s city centre during the Games between 11-16 August 2022. 

Keep updated on International Children's Games by following '@coventryicg2022' on TwitterFacebook and Instagram.  

Take a look at the images from the afternoon on Flickr

Sign up to the new Coventry ICG 2022 newsletter to receive updates straight to your inbox.  

Head to the Coventry ICG 2022 website for more information and history of the Games. 

Published: 28th January 2022