Keeping the Flame Alive

Since 2012, there have been more than 4,260 Community Games events, supported by over 89,460 volunteers with an estimated 3 million people participating.  Behind these amazing statistics are inspirational Games Organisers, bringing their communities together and rekindling community spirit, and the CSPN and the YMCA would like to thank everyone who has been involved in the programme.

During this Olympic / Paralympic year communities continue to be inspired and are using events as a catalyst for on-going community led activity to promote sport and active lifestyles and encourage local social action.

The concept is simple - bring your community together for a celebration with sports and arts activities and a simple opening or closing ceremony. Whilst the initial inspiration was the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the programme has also helped to generate a positive community legacy from HM The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, the Commonwealth Games and other major events, as well as providing a catalyst for local community action. 

At its heart the programme helps to get families and communities more active.  It also creates many other beneficial outcomes - encouraging volunteering, engaging communities, building local partnerships and improving health.    

Please do explore the site and make use of all the resources, particularly the free e-learning package. Our Stories page will give you a flavour of the programme. If you are inspired to organise a Community Games for your community you can Express Your Interest or Register Your Games. You will then be able to download the free toolkit.