Youngsters get together for an action-packed day
HUNDREDS of children from across Halton and beyond enjoyed a fantastic day of sports, activity and education with Widnes Vikings.
A total of 250 youngsters in Years 2 to 4 came together for an action packed day at the Select Security Stadium as part of the Vikings’ groundbreaking Game Changer programme.
Children from schools including Our Lady Of Perpetual Succour, Oakfield, St Michael’s and St Bede’s in Widnes; St Mary’s, Palacefields and Weston in Runcorn; and Childwall Valley in Merseyside took part.
The students took to the pitch for a host of activity sessions with the Vikings’ community coaches.
They also learned about the importance of healthy diets and staying active, with a number of creative workshops.
The highlight of the day was the students meeting Vikings players Tom Gilmore, Olly Ashall, Alex Gerrard, Jordan Johnstone, and Brad Walker.
The Vikings stars spent time with the children, joining in with the activ- ● ity sessions and answering questions Vikings’ specialist community Group, Halton Borough Council, Livon how to stay healthy and strong. coaches working in 36 schools, proerpool John Moores University’s Cen
Vikings star Tom said: “The players moting exercise, good nutrition and tre For Public Health and Sopra Stereally enjoyedria.havingtheopportunityhealthylifestylesto3,000children to promote active, healthy lifestyles annually. Game Changer has received and to share our knowledge with the It is commissioned by Improving national acclaim for its results and children. Me, the NHS Cheshire And Merseywas recently praised by Public Heath
“Widnes is a rugby league town, so side Women’s and Children’s Services England chief executive Duncan it’s great that we can use this passion Vanguard. Selbie. to help local young people.” The programme is supported by The team behind this project have
Game Changer involves Widnes NHS Halton Clinical Commissioning also been invited to speak at a health conference in Dublin in May.
Vanguard programme director for Improving Me Catherine McClennan said: “The noise, energy and enthusiasm from children at the event was fantastic.
“Game Changer promotes better health, emotional wellbeing and lifestyle improvements for children and their families.
“Working in partnership with Widnes Vikings, we’ve been able to inspire and motivate our young children and deliver great results.”
Vikings community director Richard Munson added: “It was a fantastic experience to see 250 children having so much fun and learning about better health.
“As with all our Gamechanger events, there was a real buzz in the room - it was a powerful example of the power of sport and the local passion for our club.
“This project is making a real difference. We’d like to thank the Improving Me Vanguard and all of our partners for helping to make it possible.”