Wave for Warwickshire and beyond…
Hundreds of children and young people from across Warwickshire will join many more across the Midlands this week to highlight the importance of play and unite communities.
To mark National Play day on 5 August, children and young people in the county will wave to children in Staffordshire from 2pm, who in turn will SHOUT to children in Stoke-on-Trent, who will then STAMP to children in Coventry, who in turn will CHANT to children in Solihull and so on.
The idea called ‘Warwickshire Wave’ was originally started by Michael Maguire, Head of Warwickshire County Council’s Positive about Young People programme, who wanted young people in Warwickshire to show their support for play and highlights its importance in the community.
Michael Maguire said: “National Play Day provides a chance for everyone to stop and think about the importance of play in a child’s life because it encourages them to express their enthusiasm through positive activities and be heard. They need to enjoy life, particularly in these difficult economic times.
“In terms of the Warwickshire Wave, we’ve been astounded by the support it has received so far and are asking everyone to stop for two minutes on 5 August to send a cheery wave back to the children. “
National Play day is the annual celebration of children’s right to play. The campaign is coordinated by Play England working in partnership with PlayBoard Northern Ireland, Play Scotland and Play Wales.
On National Play Day and through the summer of 2009, children, young people and communities will get out and play at hundreds of locally organised events across the UK.
Adrian Voce, Director of Play England, said: “Play is an essential part of every child’s life and is vital to their emotional and physical development.
“Research shows that, through play, children learn about themselves and the world around them, develop confidence, self-esteem and creativity. We’re asking for everyone to make play a priority for Playday 2009.”
In Warwickshire, events will be happening at prominent play locations such as Snax ‘N’ Sports or school holiday clubs to get as many children and parents/carers involved as possible.
You can find out more information at http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/payp or contact Marie Wilson on maxinegooch@warwickshire.gov.uk or telephone 02476 754168.