Vikings promote healthy lifestyle

CHILDREN from two primary schools were welcomed by Widnes Vikings to the Halton Stadium and marked a programme which promotes positive and healthy lifestyles.

Holy Family And Oakfield pupils enjoyed a Game Changer celebration event.

The programme involves the Vikings working in schools across Halton and inspiring more than 3,000 children.

The youngsters were joined by Vikings first team stars Patrick Ah Van, MacGraff Leuluai, Brad Walker, Chris Dean, Chris Bridge, Olly Ashall, Jay and Ted Chapelhow, Lloyd White and Rhys Hanbury. The players got stuck into all the games and activities, from supporting children to learn how to Eat Like A Pro to taking part in a haka.

Head of education at the Vikings Liam Clark said: “The event was a fantastic celebration of the innovative programme that we deliver in schools every week.

“We were delighted with the feedback from the children and teachers at Holy Family and Oakfield, who all took a lot from the day and had great fun.

“A huge thank you must go to the first team squad, who were fantastic in engaging the children on how to lead healthy lifestyles.

“We’re looking forward to hosting more days like this in the future, as well as building upon the successes of Game Changer in Halton.”

Game Changer is delivered in partnership with NHS Halton Clinical Commissioning Group and Improving Me, the Cheshire and Merseyside Women’s and Children’s Services Vanguard.

Vikings community and commercial director Richard Munson said: “We are very proud of the partnership with the Improving Me vanguard and the impact that we are making together. It was fantastic to be able to celebrate the impact of the programme and to inspire the young children at this special event.”

Improving Me programme director Catherine McClennan added: “The Improving Me programme aims to improve the health and wellbeing of women and children across Cheshire and Merseyside through activity, social inclusion and education.

“We have been delighted by the passion and enthusiasm from the children for the programme and to see the excellent results it has achieved.

“We’d like to thank the team at Widnes Vikings for creating such a special celebration day.”