26 JULY 2007 OVER 200 hundred children will come together on

1 August to celebrate the 20^th Anniversary of National Play Day.  All these young people aged between 4 and 12 have been attending Harrogate Borough Council's summer school holiday play activities held in community facilities right across the district.

 

Throughout the first week of the holidays, children have been learning skills in football and rounders and practising 'It's a Knockout' games, as well as designing T-shirts and banners for their centre.  Teams of all ages and abilities will then be put forward to take part in a Community Challenge to be held at Boroughbridge Leisure Centre.

 

Jane Whittaker, the council's Play Development officer, will be leading the day.  She said:  "Play is so important for children and we want to see them out enjoying themselves.  Parents know they can leave their children with us in total safety and that our fully trained staff will make sure they have lots of fun during the school holidays, whilst mum and dad are at work before they can take time off for the family holiday break.

 

"Our holiday activity programme is packed with the things children like to do and bringing them together for this Community Challenge event is a good way of letting them build confidence and to help them understand how important team play is."

 

Howard Corrin from Howdidoodi will be on hand to compere the day to make sure things run smoothly and to keep the children entertained between matches.  Parents and families are welcome to come and watch.   ENDS

 

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY:  2.00 pm 1 August 2007 Boroughbridge Leisure Centre.  Councillor Pat Jones, Cabinet Member for Cultural Services, will present trophies to the winning teams.