VIKINGS IN THE COMMUNITY Primary pupils boost levels of fitness with Viking team
APROJECT has been launched by Widnes Vikings with the ambition of raising children’s physical fitness and promoting healthy lifestyles.
The Game Changer initiative started with more than 100 youngsters aged between six and nine at Weston Primary School in Runcorn taking part in activity sessions.
The children were accompanied by the whole Widnes Vikings first team squad.
The project will reach 36 schools across Halton in its first year, with the aim for it to be delivered in other areas of Cheshire and Merseyside.
Through targeting children in Years 2 to 4, the scheme will work with more than 3,000 boys and girls from September who will access a range of sport and physical activity opportunities across 24 weeks.
The sessions will be delivered by Vikings coaches and are based around improving fundamental and multi skills.
Vikings captain Kevin Brown said: “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.”
The project includes a range of healthy eating workshops with children and parents in partnership with Halton Health Improvement Team.
Through the scheme, schools will develop their own approaches to unlocking an extra 15 minutes of physical activity every day through their own innovative ideas.
Speaking at the launch on Tuesday, July 19, Weston Primary School headteacher Ros Atkins said: “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 is 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.”
The initiative is the result of a collaboration between the Vikings, NHS Halton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Liverpool John Moores University’s Centre For Public Health, Cheshire And Merseyside Women’s And Children’s Services Vanguard, and Sopra Steria .
Vikings community integrated director Richard Munson said: “Game Changer has been established to work with local health partners to fundamentally raise aspirations and physical activity levels in children.
“We understand fully the rising obesity epidemic and believe through our extensive consultation with children, parents and teachers, that the Game Changer initiative can provide fun, accessible ways to be active in schools and at home.
“We cannot wait to get started.”
Simon Banks, NHS Halton CCG’s chief officer, said that the organisation is ‘really proud’ to support the Game Changer project.
He added: “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 contact Richard Munson on 0151 495 2250, email richardm@ widnesvikings.co.uk, or visit @ GameChangerWV on Twitter.