Local families are invited to take part in a 2016 Rio Olympics and carnival themed afternoon of fun and activities as part of Play Day 2016, a series of free community events organised by Mid Sussex District Council.
There will be three Play Day events held in locations throughout the District, so local families can join in the fun no matter where they live. The free Play Day events will be held at:
- Victoria Park in Haywards Heath from 11am until 3pm on Weds 3 August
- St John’s Park in Burgess Hill from 11am until 3pm on Thurs 4 August
- King George’s Field in East Grinstead from 11am until 3pm on Weds 10 August
The days are designed to appeal to both boys and girls and are for children aged under 13. A fun packed day of activities is planned and families are welcome to bring a picnic and stay for the whole day.
Local children will have a chance to take part in track and field games, including foam javelin throwing, standing long jump, mini hurdles and the 25m sprint. The winners will get to stand on an Olympic style podium to receive their medals.
A specialist immersive theatre company, Goat and Monkey will be putting on interactive dramas throughout the day. Led by trained actors, children will use wireless headphones and top trump style playing cards as part of an epic adventure, trekking through the perils and pitfalls of the Amazon rainforest to reach the ultimate goal; the Olympic Games in Rio.
Youngsters can burn off energy by learning some Brazilian dancing, with Samba and drumming workshops taking place throughout the day. There will then be a chance for the children to show off their new moves with a Samba carnival procession at the end of the day.
There will be a fancy dress competition for children aged under 11, so those who come along dressed in their finest Rio Carnival costume will have the chance to win a £30 High Street voucher and lead the huge carnival procession that closes the event.
Children who enjoy being creative will be able to make their own Olympic torches and carnival head dresses. There will be a chance to make instruments using recycled materials; plastic bottles will become sparkling shakers and old shoe boxes turned into drums. Parents are encouraged to bring along some recycling from home and join in the fun.
Kids will get stamps for taking part in each activity and by completing their card they will be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win a Family Swim Ticket at a local leisure centre.
“This is the fourth year we are celebrating National Play Day with events taking place in all three towns. 2015 saw over 1,500 young people and families enjoy free games, sports and activities and we’re hoping this year will attract even more families to our carnival themed events,” said Councillor Garry Wall, Leader of Mid Sussex District Council.
“Parents looking to keep their kids occupied over the summer holidays won’t need to travel far – our Play Day events will be full of fun activities for kids to join in; from Olympic themed games to Samba dancing! We’re looking forward to welcoming local families for a free fun filled day.”
Play Day is a celebration of children’s right to play and a campaign to highlight the importance of play in children’s lives. The 2016 events have been organised by Mid Sussex District Council with support from Burgess Hill Town Council, East Grinstead Town Council, Haywards Heath Town Council, the East Grinstead Youth Council, the Bell Group and Groundwork NCS.
Sponsorship has been provided by Places for People, the Lions, East Grinstead Business Association and Affinity Sutton. For more information contact Regina Choudhury, Mid Sussex District Community Development Officer on 01444 477495 or email communityservices@midsussex.gov.uk
