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Community groups awarded sports equipment from Birmingham 2022

We’re working to ensure the Commonwealth Games is leaving a lasting impact by supporting physical activity in West Midlands communities.

8th November 2022

More than 16,000 pieces of sports equipment used at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games have been awarded to 290 West Midlands community organisations. 

As part of our work to create a lasting community impact from the Games and partnering with the Birmingham 2022 Organising Committee and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, we invited organisations to apply for the items in August. 

Now, following a rigorous assessment process, items such as bikes, wrestling and judo mats, cricket equipment, basketballs and boxing gloves have been distributed to community organisations that are helping people to get physically active. 

Orlan Jackman poses with members of the Guardian Ballers as they receive kit from the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

The giveaway saw almost 2,500 applications received, highlighting the local need and demand for support. 

As a result of this, our chief executive Tim Hollingsworth is pleased that we’ve allocated £100,000 from our overall £35 million investment into the Games to provide more equipment to local groups. 

“The fact that within three months of the Games ending we are able to give away 16,000 pieces of kit and equipment means the Commonwealth Games is continuing to deliver real benefit to people of the West Midlands,” he said. 

“This was a major ambition for Sport England’s £35 million investment into the Games, and it’s at the heart of our Uniting the Movement strategy too: that everyone, regardless of background, bank balance or where they live has the opportunity to get active.   

“We’re also delighted to be able to continue to offer more opportunities to local groups through dedicating £100k to sports equipment in the West Midlands, alongside our Places and Spaces facilities fund and B2022 small grants programme.”   

The 290 community groups to receive the equipment were chosen by a panel that included Games partners such as the Organising Committee, Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Combined Authority, Active Partnerships and Community Voices – ensuring the giveaway reflected the diversity of communities in the region. 
 

"The fact that within three months of the Games ending we are able to give away 16,000 pieces of kit and equipment means the Commonwealth Games is continuing to deliver real benefit to people of the West Midlands."

Tim Hollingsworth

Chief executive, Sport England

Guardian Ballers and the Coventry Wheelchair Backetball Academy were two of the chosen recipients and, earlier today, received their basketball equipment from Birmingham 2022 3x3 basketball gold medallist as part of an equipment giveaway event held at the Cardinal Wiseman School in Coventry. 

The group, a mental and emotional wellbeing basketball programme, promotes social cohesion, connection and positive mental health through basketball, as well as providing inclusive sporting experiences for diverse young people in the West Midlands. 

They also work with communities that traditionally enjoy fewer opportunities to get involved in sport, while the Coventry Wheelchair Basketball Academy provide opportunities for wheelchair basketball from grassroots to elite level, with the goal of developing young people through the sport and tackling isolation.

And Guardian Ballers founder and chief executive officer Kieran Joseph is certain the new kit will benefit their work.

“This equipment gives us the chance to change lives," he said. "We work with diverse communities that represent the heritage of the Commonwealth and with more equipment, we can include more young people in our programme.” 
 

More information

Need assistance to help people in the West Midlands get active? 

Our Places and Spaces fund remains open for applications, helping community sport and physical groups create or improve facilities in their local area. 

The Birmingham 2022 Small Grants programme is also still open until the end of January 2023 - it supports community projects that bring people together through sport and physical activity. 

Further reaction

  • Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands

    "After the spectacular Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, I was determined that our region would see a tangible legacy from the Games for months and years to come.

    "That’s why I’m so pleased that the sports equipment used by the athletes is getting to so many clubs and organisations.

    "By reaching out to the grassroots, I hope we will make a real difference and serve as a catalyst for change in local communities – encouraging more people to get active.

    "I cannot wait to see lives changed for the better.” 

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  • Councillor Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council

    “I was always clear that the Commonwealth Games had to be about much more than the 11 days of sporting action that we enjoyed as the proud host city.

    "Initiatives like this are boosting grassroots activity in this city for many years to come and helping strengthen the sustainability of the legacy in a most practical way.

    "Given the challenges we all face at the moment, I know this equipment giveaway scheme couldn’t come at a better time for local sports clubs and organisations.”  

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  • John Steele, Team England chair

    “It’s an honour that the same equipment that helped England win medals is now going to be used by grassroots groups in the West Midlands.

    "Getting active can transform lives and it’s amazing to see this equipment be put to such good use. It’s the Games legacy in action.”  

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  • Sports Minister, Stuart Andrew MP

    "This kit giveaway is a fantastic example of how Birmingham 2022 is delivering much more than 11 days of sport.

    "The Games will live on in hundreds of school halls and community centres across the West Midlands, encouraging thousands of young people to get active and pick up a Commonwealth Games sport." 

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  • Orlan Jackman, Birmingham 2022 3x3 basketball gold medallist

    “The purpose of sport is to give life skills – hard work, teamwork. I am here to inspire the next generation and show you that sport can change lives.”

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  • Nicola Turner, Birmingham 2022’s director of legacy

    “Just over three months ago, these 16,000 pieces of equipment were being used by some of the best athletes in the world to break records and win medals.

    "From today, that kit will be in the hands of aspiring sporting superstars of the West Midlands – this is legacy in action and shows the continued and real-time benefits of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.” 

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  • Amrick Singh Ubhi, Nishkam Civic Association

    “This is a catalyst to showcase what small community groups and clubs can do. To be noticed, to be celebrated – it has empowered those diverse communities that otherwise would not have applied.” 

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