University launching Play Week for families

ANNUAL EVENT EXPANDED

With Family Day fast approaching, the University of Lethbridge is celebrating a decade anniversary.

The U of L and North & Company LLP are teaming up for the 10th annual University of Lethbridge Play Day.

With the COVID-19 pandemic still keeping people separated, Play Day has been expanded to a week.

Instead of southern Albertans coming to the university for Play Day, the university is instigating a Play Week that will run Monday through Friday — Feb. 15-20 — offering play activities, suggestions and resources for families to take part in on their own time and in their own spaces.

“For 10 years we’ve been able to provide a venue for families to gather on Family Day and celebrate being together in a play atmosphere,” said Mike Mahon, University of Lethbridge president and vicechancellor in a release. “We obviously can’t supply the venue this year, but the essence of play isn’t confined to a specific place — it’s the act of play that matters, wherever you are.

“The heart of Play Day has always been about bringing family units together through play. You don’t need to be on campus to do that.

“We’ll supply some ideas and some fun activities as a starting point and after that, families can take it wherever they want. The big thing is doing something together, remembering how to have fun and laugh — something I think we are all looking for these days.”

Play Week will be designed to spark the imagination, encouraging creativity, generating ideas and inspiring innovative thought.

The week will consist of three related elements: a series of interactive play videos aimed at children and families; an online community lecture on play and brain development with neuroscientist Robbin Gibb and a social media campaign enabling families to share in elements of play and to educate everyone on the benefits of play for brain development and healthy communities. A full list of activities will soon be available on a dedicated Play Day web page and a specific Play Week Facebook Event will allow everyone to engage with the university by sharing their activities for a chance to win participatory prizes.

The U of L Music Conservatory, Art Gallery, Pronghorn Athletics, Destination Exploration and PACT (Philanthropy, Advancement,

Communication and Traditions student club) are all taking part.