Celebrating National Play Day in Warwickshire
Thousands of young people across Warwickshire are being encouraged to take part in National Play day today (Wednesday 4 August).
The annual UK-wide event - coordinated by Play England (part of NCB) working in partnership with PlayBoard Northern Ireland, Play Scotland and Play Wales - celebrates a child’s right to play, while raising awareness of some of the issues affecting play across the country.
The Play Day Campaign’s theme for 2010 is ‘Our place’ which puts children at the heart of communities and asks everyone, young and old, to help create a better place for us all to live and play.
Warwickshire County Council’s Positive about Young People programme is one of a number of organisations taking part locally by providing activities for young people.
Alongside the usual summer activities, Olympic-themed Snax N Sports sessions called ‘Multi-tathlon’ - including an assault course - will run throughout the county from Wednesday 4 August until Wednesday 25 August, starting with the sessions at Bedworth Heath, Atherstone, Keresley and Baddesley on National Play Day.
Assorted National Play Day goodies will be available for young people taking part in activities during this week.
A mobile skate park will also be rolling in to Stratford Rec on 4 August between 10am and 1pm in partnership with Stratford District Council and with funding from the Big Lottery Fund.
Further sessions will also be available from 10am to 1pm at Lower Quinton Village Hall on Wednesday 11 August, Southam College on Wednesday 18 August and Thomas Jolyffe Primary School on Wednesday 25 August.
Participants will be able to bring their own Skateboards, BMX bikes, roller blades and push scooters. However all riders must wear safety equipment (a limited supply will be available).
Michael Maguire, Head of Warwickshire County Council’s Positive about Young People programme, said: “It’s really important that the community realises that play, in whatever form, is a big part of a child’s development.
“It encourages them to express themselves and helps them build on essential skills that they can use later in life, so events such as this really can make a difference.
“Last year the Warwickshire Wave was at the centre of local Play Day activities, uniting communities across the region. We hope these activities will gain similar support this year.”
To find out more about Warwickshire County Council’s Positive about Young People programme or for details of the nearest activity sessions to you, visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/payp.