2026 Young Helmet Designer Contest: Inspiring the Next Generation of Helmet Designers and Artists
Can a simple piece of sports equipment also be a canvas for self-expression, and a chance to show young people the value of art and creativity in everyday products and perhaps even change their life trajectory?
At Strategic Sports, we believe it can.
Each year, Strategic Sports invites children of employees to design their own original helmet graphics. The winning design in each category gets made into an actual helmet. The contest has become a favorite tradition among Strategic Sports employees and their families.
"It's a great way to get the children of Strategic Sports involved with art and creativity at an early age, while connecting with the work we do here every day," says Norman Cheng, managing director of Strategic Sports.
Our mission as a manufacturer of some of the world's most advanced helmets and safety gear is Protecting Life. A helmet is something worn every day, and we believe it should look as good as it performs. The shape, the subtle lines, and of course, the colors and graphics, this is where art and creativity come in to transform a helmet into something more. This contest not only reminds us that a helmet can be a thing of beauty and inspiration, but that art is everywhere, and can change lives.
That lesson is personal for Cheng this year. His daughter, Serena, took part in the very first Young Helmet Designer Contest at age 9. Now a recent art school graduate, she joined the contest again, as a judge for the first time.
We sat down with the top three designers from our China and Vietnam factories and learned more about their artwork and future aspirations.
2026 Children's Helmet Design Contest – Winner Interviews - Strategic Sports China
FIRST PRIZE: Li Ximan
Q: Is this the first time you've created a helmet graphic?
A: Yes, and it felt really meaningful to me.
Q: What inspired your design?
A: I'm a big fan of Molly from PopMart, so I painted her on the helmet! I chose blue for the helmet because I love the ocean. I also drew lots of little flowers. Flowers stand for romance. I combined beauty and romance with safety, and that's how my helmet design came to life.
Q: What was the hardest part of creating your artwork?
A: Picking colors to make everything look beautiful.
Q: Would you like to become an artist or even a helmet graphic designer when you grow up?
A: I want to be a designer.
SECOND PRIZE: Cao Jingqi
Q: Is this the first time you've created a helmet graphic?
A: No, this is my second helmet design. At first I found it a little challenging, since designing on a helmet is different from regular drawing. But as I worked on it, I had so much fun putting my favourite patterns onto the helmet. I'm really happy to win second prize.
Q: What inspired your design?
A: Helmets keep us safe, so I wanted to create a "Little Safety Hero". I used blue as the main colour, with stars, lightning bolts and small wings to make it look brave and powerful. The hearts and shield on the front symbolise protection. My message is: wearing a helmet is like having a little hero watching over your safety.
Q: What was the hardest part of creating your artwork?
A: Designing the helmet patterns. They needed to look nice while clearly showing the "Little Safety Hero" idea. I redrew the stars, lightning and wings several times. I also had to colour very carefully without going over the lines. It was tricky, but I felt so accomplished once I finished.
Q: Would you like to become an artist or even a helmet graphic designer when you grow up?
A: I haven't fully decided what I want to do in the future, but I love drawing and bringing my ideas to paper. If I get the chance, I'd like to keep learning art and design, and create more beautiful works that remind people to stay safe.
THIRD PRIZE: Li Jiancheng
Q: Is this the first time you've created a helmet graphic?
A: Yes, it was my first helmet painting, and I found it really fun.
Q: What inspired your design?
A: A helmet is a shield for our heads, which inspired my motto: "Helmet as shield, keep us safe together." I love real-life cool-looking helmets, so I drew based on their appearance. I hope viewers will understand how helmets protect us when we travel.
Q: What was the hardest part of creating your artwork?
A: Drawing the helmet's 3D shape and complex segmented lines. I revised many times to get small details like ventilation grids and logos just right.
Q: Would you like to become an artist or even a helmet graphic designer when you grow up?
A: I want to be a designer. I hope to make more works related to safety protection in the future.
2026 Children's Helmet Design Contest – Winner Interviews - Strategic Sports Vietnam
FIRST PRIZE: Nguyễn Tuệ Lâm
Q: Is this the first time you’ve created a helmet graphic?
A: Yes, this is my first time designing a helmet graphic. I found it really fun, and I’m so happy to take part in this competition.
Q: What inspired your design?
A: I thought of brave firefighters. They keep everyone safe, so I wanted to paint firefighters on the helmet.
Q: What was the hardest part of creating your artwork?
A: The hardest part was drawing the firefighters and the fine details on the helmet, as well as getting the colour combinations to look nice.
Q: What do you think of drawing?Do you want to become an artist or even a helmet graphic designer when you’re older?
A: I love drawing very much. I hope I can keep learning to draw when I grow up, and create more beautiful and meaningful works.
SECOND PRIZE: Nguyễn Uyên Nhi
Q: Is this the first time you’ve created a helmet graphic?
A: Yes, this is my first time joining a helmet creative-design competition. I find this competition really interesting.
Q: What inspired your design?
A: Doctors and nurses work tirelessly to protect people’s health. I wanted to draw their images to honour these brave medical heroes.
Q: What was the hardest part of creating your artwork?
A: The hardest part was drawing the doctors, nurses and all kinds of details, plus carefully matching different colours.
Q: What do you think of drawing? Do you want to become an artist or even a helmet graphic designer when you’re older?
A: I love drawing and creating. I hope to learn more about painting in the future and make more meaningful works.
THIRD PRIZE: Phạm Ngọc Anh Thư
Q: Is this the first time you’ve created a helmet graphic?
A: Yes, this is my first time painting on a helmet. I love drawing, and I’m so glad to participate in this competition.
Q: What inspired your design?
A: My design is inspired by people I admire and the beautiful life around me. I want to express joy, love and happiness through my painting.
Q: What was the hardest part of creating your artwork?
A: The biggest challenge was drawing lots of tiny details and colouring slowly. Still, I felt really happy and proud once I finished my piece.
Q: What do you think of drawing? Do you want to become an artist or even a helmet graphic designer when you’re older?
A: I hope to keep drawing and creating in the future, and I also hope I get the chance to design works of my own.
