Widnes join in project to aid pupils’ health
WIDNES VIKINGS have launched a brand new project with the aim of making a significant impact in raising physical fitness and promoting healthy lifestyles in children.
The launch of ‘Game Changer’ involved more than 100 children aged from six to nine from Weston Primary School in Runcorn, taking part in a range of physical activity sessions accompanied by the Widnes first-team squad.
The project is the result of a strategic collaboration between the Vikings, Halton Clinical Commissioning Group, Liverpool John Moores University Centre for Public Health, Cheshire and Merseyside Women’s and Children’s Services Vanguard and Sopra Steria.
It will reach 36 schools across Halton in its first year and be delivered in other areas of Cheshire and Merseyside by professional clubs.
The ethos is that every child should have the opportunity to lead a healthy and physically active life.
By targeting children in Years 2 to 4, the scheme will work with over 3,000 boys and girls from September who will access a range of sport and physical activity interventions across a 24 week period delivered by Vikings coaches based around improving fundamental and multi-skills.
Through the scheme, schools will develop their own approaches to unlocking an extra 15 minutes of physical activity every day and thus complete their Game Changer pledges.
The project also includes a range of healthy eating workshops where children and parents will learn how to ‘Eat Like A Pro’ in partnership with Halton Health Improvement Team.
In a special twist, each school will be assigned a first-team player who will act as ‘Pro Ambassador’ and visit the school regularly to inspire the children to reach their fitness and wider health goals.
Vikings captain Kevin Brown said: “It’s been great to visit Weston Primary school to launch the ‘Game Changer’ project.
“The lads and I are aware of the positive projects the club does in the local community and we really enjoy attending and meeting local people of all ages.
“Game Changer provides a fantastic opportunity for schools to promote more physical activity in their children and I am sure it will make a big difference in the fight against obesity.”
Weston Primary School headteacher, Ros Atkins, added: “It has been an absolute honour to have had Widnes Vikings at Weston with us today.
“Both the staff and children have been so excited about the event and it’s wonderful to be working in partnership with our local rugby league team.
“We are passionate about giving our children a range of sporting experiences and we are thrilled to have launched Game Changer at our school.”
Simon Banks, Chief Officer of Halton Clinical Commissioning Group said: “NHS Halton CCG is really proud to support Game Changer.
“In working with Widnes Vikings, we believe that we can change how children and their families in the Borough engage in activity and lead healthier lifestyles.
Game Changer can be the catalyst for inspiring generational change and is transferable to any sport.” ● For further information on ‘Game Changer’, contact Richard Munson at Widnes Vikings on 0151-495 2250, by email at richardm@widnesvikings.co.uk, or use the twitter handle @GameChangerWV.