This week, the International Children’s Games 2022 (ICG) start. The opening ceremony is on Friday, August 12, and the Games run from Saturday, August 13, to Monday, August 15.

At the private opening ceremony, 73 teams of 12–15-year-old athletes from 31 countries will be welcomed to Coventry, which is hosting this year’s Games.

Over 1,500 athletes will compete in seven different sports in the days after the opening ceremony to win medals for their city. The International Olympic Committee is in charge of the event, which includes 3×3 basketball, athletics, climbing, football, swimming, table tennis, and tennis, as well as para-sports.

The Alan Higgs Centre, Broadgate, the University of Warwick, and Coventry University will all host competitions. People from the public are welcome to watch any of the sports events, and they don’t need tickets to do so.

On Friday, August 12, the opening ceremony procession will make it hard to get around in the city centre. At 6:45 p.m., the part of Bayley Lane where it meets Earl Street and Cuckoo Lane will be closed. When it’s time for the procession to cross Earl Street, STOP signs will be in place to keep everyone safe.

At 8 p.m., the corner of Little Park Street and Salt Lane will be closed so that coaches can load safely. During this time, charging points and parking spots on Little Park Street will be taken away. By 10 p.m., all roads should be open again.

Follow the ICG on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram with the handle “@coventryicg2022.”

Councillor Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader, Coventry City Council, said: “We are elated to be hosting this year’s International Children’s Games – especially so soon after a fantastic Commonwealth Games in the region.

“The young athletes taking part will hugely benefit from this. Not only the buzz in the air and the spotlight on sport, but the athletes are staying in the same accommodation as the Commonwealth Games athletes did and are even using some of the same kit.

“The basketball 3 x 3 equipment is what was used in the Commonwealth Games, and it’s fantastic that our ICG athletes get to use this.

“As we come to the end of what has been a fantastic summer of sport, I encourage residents of Coventry to head to the ICG sports venues to support these young athletes.”

Residents on low income are being told that they may be eligible for assistance with their council tax payments.

With more individuals suffering to manage living expenses, Coventry City Council wants to make sure that people are aware that help is available if low-income households fail to make council tax payments.

Council Tax Support is a system that works in all local authorities across the UK, and working-age households in Coventry can get a discount of up to 85%.

The plan can also cover up to 100% of the cost of council tax for households of pension age.

People receiving Universal Credit or other benefits will not automatically receive council tax assistance, but they can submit a claim to avoid paying more than they need to.

Cllr Richard Brown, Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “Coventry City Council provides a generous council tax support schemes helping to cover up to 85% of the cost of council tax.

“People who are on a very low income can get help with their council tax bill. They should get in touch to find out if they are eligible. 

He added: “Currently around 18,000 people are helped by the scheme.”

Sports Fest was once again a big success with over 15,000 locals taking a try at sport during the festival which is the most attendance the event has ever had.

The free, six-day festival marked its 10th anniversary after it debuted in 2012 as a commemoration of the London Olympics. Ten years on and Sports Fest was hosted at the same time as the Commonwealth Games and offered for everyone, with families of all ages and abilities able to enjoy the games like wheelchair rugby, walking football, laser tag, cheerleading and archery.

The activities and sports were presented by some of Coventry’s best clubs and organisations, including Tribe Cheer and Dance, Coventry Outdoor Education team, School Games, Midland Mencap, Positive Youth Foundation and CV Life.

The event also saw some outstanding health, wellness and sports booth holders during the week including Rugby League World Cup Trophy Tour, Wellbeing for Life, Good Gym Coventry and Go CV, who signed up more than 800 locals and assisted an extra 1,000 more over the week.

Sports Fest 2022 was produced in cooperation with CV Life and EnV Coventry.

Coventry’s City Hosts dedicated more than 250 volunteer hours while welcoming and enlightening guests during the six-day event.

Free sports and activities are still available at the Birmingham 2022 Coventry Festival Site at Assembly Festival Gardens until 8 August. Visitors may enjoy the activities while watching all the Commonwealth Games action on the big screen.

Keep up to date on Coventry Sport’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for the latest developments on sport and physical activity in Coventry.

Councillor Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport, said: “Sports Fest was once again a huge success. I am so pleased to hear that we have broken attendance records at the event with over 15,000 residents and visitors taking part.  

“As we do every year, we provided a diverse range of activities and sports and made sure it was a huge celebration to mark the event’s 10th anniversary. 

“It was great that the 10th year fell as we host three major sporting events in the city; Commonwealth Games, International Children’s Games and Rugby League World Cup. 

“Sports Fest really does bring together our communities. It allows everyone to enjoy sport and activities for free, find a new hobby and get active this summer”.