The Ospreys and RWE npower renewables have become the latest organisations to sign up to take part in a family fun day to celebrate Wales' first ever National Children's Day on 17th October 2009.
The day, which has been launched by Swansea’s LC, is the first of its kind in the UK, despite over 50 countries worldwide already having special days to celebrate their young people.
The Ospreys, along with principal sponsors RWE npower renewables, will be hosting a series of skills sessions in the LC sports hall on October 17th, which will be led by some of the club’s international and up-and-coming rugby stars, along with coaches from the Community Rugby Department, while there will also be a range of rugby themed inflatables such as try line tussle, bungee run, and passing targets.
Paul Thorburn, Strategic Development Manager at the Ospreys, said:
“Wales’ National Children’s Day is a perfect fit for the Ospreys and RWE npower renewables to get involved with, as we are committed to encouraging sport at a grass roots level, and what better way to do that than take part in a day that is solely focused on children.
“As a club we also have strong links with the children’s hospice Ty Hafan, after holding a recent benefit match to raise funds for them, so the fact that they are the nominated charity for the family fun day was an additional incentive for us to get on board.
“This year, we’ve seen a noticeable increase in the number of youngsters coming along to the Liberty Stadium to support the Ospreys, and it would be great to see more families in the stands, especially on the Sunday after Wales’ National Children’s Day when we have an important Heineken Cup home fixture against ASM Clermont Auvergne.”
Katy Woodington, Community Investment Officer for RWE npower renewables said:
“We are delighted to be supporting Wales' first National Children's day through our partnership with the Ospreys. We have a long standing commitment to supporting communities in which we work, and opportunities to be involved in events like this are very important to us as we continue to build our business in Wales.
“We hope all the children involved have a fun a day and enjoy what will be a great opportunity to improve their skills, while spending quality time together as a family.”
Wales’ National Children’s Day is like Mother’s and Father’s Day for children, and it is intended that, in time, it will be celebrated across the whole of Wales every year. The day has been created by the LC in order to acknowledge the importance of valuing children in society and to promote messages about giving time and other things children need in their life to be happy, like love and affection, praise and encouragement and the art of listening and talking. It is hoped the day will provide adults in Wales with an opportunity to give time to the children in their lives and take part in fun activities that start new traditions as well as continue old ones.
Nic Beggs, Marketing Manager at the LC, said:
“It’s great to have the Ospreys signed up as a partner to Wales’ National Children’s Day, and I’m sure those who come along on the day will enjoy meeting some of their rugby idols. With international rugby stars coming along to host the skills sessions, along with some of the region’s up-and-coming talents, it’s really fantastic opportunity to pick up some tips and hints from some of the world’s best.
“At the LC, we have always thought there should be a day to recognise children in Wales, and the fact that so many companies have already signed up to get on board with Wales’ National Children’s Day, offering skills and services, just shows we’re not the only ones out there who think we should celebrate our children.
“In addition to the Ospreys activities, Swansea City Library is setting up a Children’s Book Corner and for the braver amongst us, Plantasia will be hosting a creepy crawly display. Of course there’s also the LC’s waterpark, boardrider and soft play area, so it’s really going to be a great day out for the family.”
Entry to Wales’ National Children’s Day family fun day will be £4 per person, with proceeds going to family hospice for young lives, Ty Hafan.