Launch of ‘Beyond’: Birmingham 2026’s Impact Programme
The Birmingham 2026 team has officially unveiled its Impact programme, ‘Beyond’, at the iconic Alexander Stadium. This initiative aims to ensure that the upcoming European Athletics Championships serve not just as a remarkable sporting event, but as a significant catalyst for positive, sustainable transformations within Birmingham and the wider West Midlands.
A Historic Event in the Making
Birmingham 2026 will mark the first time the European Athletics Championships have been staged in the UK. While the event promises to deliver world-class athletics, the organizers emphasize that their vision extends far beyond the competition itself. The Championships are perceived as a unique opportunity to foster lasting benefits for the community, aligned with a comprehensive Impact Plan that involves all relevant stakeholders.
Royston Hoggarth’s Vision
Royston Hoggarth, Chair of the Birmingham 2026 Stakeholder Board, articulated the overarching vision effectively. “These Championships are much more than a single week of elite athletics,” he stated, emphasizing the potential for legacy-building in real-time. Hoggarth highlighted the importance of forging the right partnerships to propel forward initiatives that will resonate long after the final medal is awarded, positioning ‘Beyond’ as a shared commitment to effecting real change.
Funding to Propel Initiatives Forward
In conjunction with the launch, an exciting announcement came from UK Sport and the London Marathon Foundation, who unveiled a substantial £90,000 investment aimed at supporting local initiatives led by Access Sport and StreetGames. This funding is a tangible first step in the execution of the ‘Beyond’ programme, and it will focus on creating greater access for young people to engage in community sports. This investment signifies how ‘Beyond’ is already starting to galvanize real impact ahead of the Championships.
Building on Past Successes
Cllr Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, spoke optimistically about the program’s potential to build on the legacy established during the Commonwealth Games. She emphasized that the eyes of the world will not only be on the Alexander Stadium during the Championships, but also on how Birmingham can leverage major events to create an inclusive experience for its residents and visitors.
Importantly, Thompson noted that input from local community groups has been integral to shaping the program, ensuring that their experiences from the Commonwealth Games inform the initiatives ahead. This collaborative approach is essential for achieving the positive impact that Birmingham aims for through ‘Beyond’.
Three Pillars of the ‘Beyond’ Framework
The ‘Beyond’ programme is structured around three key pillars that resonate deeply with the community:
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Community Benefits through Athletics and Running: This aims to enhance local engagement with athletics and support grassroots sports initiatives.
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Environmental Consciousness: An emphasis on sustainability, aiming to minimize the ecological footprint of the event while raising awareness about environmental issues within the community.
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Accessibility and Inclusion: Making sports more accessible to everyone is a foundational aspect, with a focus on creating welcoming experiences for all participants and spectators.
Exciting Activities Ahead
Activities that will fall under the ‘Beyond’ umbrella include the support for Daily Mile events in schools, diversifying junior parkruns, creating new apprenticeship opportunities, and promoting sustainable travel for fans and participants. Each initiative will either be spearheaded by Birmingham 2026 or executed in partnership with specialized organizations, highlighting the role of the Birmingham 2026 team as a connector and amplifier for these community efforts.
The Power of Partnerships
Chris Moss, the Birmingham 2026 Project Lead for the Impact Plan, captured the essence of the ‘Beyond’ initiative by explaining, “We’ve built Beyond as a framework to connect partners, amplify great work already happening, and inspire new activity that aligns with our shared goals.” His remarks underscore the power of collaboration in achieving meaningful community benefits.
Echoing this sentiment, Esther Britten, Head of Events and External Affairs at UK Sport, remarked on the unique platform major events provide for sparking positive societal changes. With the potential for lasting impact, she noted how the collaborative nature of the ‘Beyond’ programme with organizations like the London Marathon Foundation can truly make a difference in the lives of local communities.
Continued Development Under ‘Beyond’
As the Championships approach, the Birmingham 2026 team, in conjunction with various stakeholders like the Birmingham City Council and West Midlands Combined Authority, will continue to develop new programs under the ‘Beyond’ umbrella. Initiatives are expected to evolve, channeling the excitement generated by the Championships into a prolonged trajectory of positive community impact.
Embracing Economic Opportunities
Richard Parker, the Mayor of the West Midlands, spoke to the broader economic implications of hosting major events like the European Championships. He positioned these events as a chance for Birmingham to showcase its myriad offerings while also emphasizing the importance of the ‘Beyond’ programme in facilitating long-lasting health and well-being improvements across communities.
A Lasting Commitment to Community Benefit
Mike Diaper, Group Funding and Impact Director at the London Marathon Foundation, highlighted the significance of the funding aimed at cultivating a legacy of enthusiasm for physical activity among children and young people. He presented the idea that this initiative is not merely about a momentous event, but about laying the groundwork for lifelong participation in sports and physical activity.
The launch of ‘Beyond’ at Birmingham 2026 is not just an announcement—it’s a commitment to fostering a vibrant, connected, and active community in Birmingham and the West Midlands. With a unique blend of elite athletics and community engagement, this initiative is poised to leave a profound impact that transcends the Championships themselves.