The Nestlé Games – a competition created by children, for children
What might a competition look like if children get to help decide from the very beginning? The Nestlé Games shows how children’s participation can be used to develop the competition format itself. By listening to what might prevent children from wanting to compete—and then letting the children help create something different—the competition can become a place where more dare to try, feel involved, and have fun together.
The Nestlé Games in IFK Umeå is a track and field competition that addresses several challenges identified through observations and dialogue with young people and adults in sports, as well as through research. This shows:
- that many children do not want to or dare to compete
- that children are rarely involved in competitive contexts
- that there are difficulties in engaging parents as volunteers
The Nestlé Games is a track and field competition created by children, for children. By allowing the children themselves to plan a competition and focusing on participation rather than results, a more inclusive competitive environment is created.
The children have decided
- which events are included (traditional and/or invented for the games)
- which music is played
- which refreshments are sold
- whether there should be an announcer
- which prizes are awarded
This is not about winning, but about
- daring to try competing
- trying many events—by collecting as many stickers as possible
- having fun together
Parents serve as officials and help during the competition. This is important for introducing parents to the role of official.
