Vale celebrates National Playday

The sun came out to join the Vale council’s sports and play development team, parks department and more than 200 residents in celebrating National Playday 2009.

Jane Hutt AM, Minister for children, education, lifelong learning and skills visited Victoria Park, Barry to join in the fun. Members of the public were encouraged to bring along picnics to the event and try out the range of play and sports activities on offer. During the event participants had the opportunity to try their hand at various play activities including arts and crafts, den building, mod roc and water based play. There was also entertainment in the form of a Punch and Judy show. Sports activities on offer included Dragon Sport games, land surfing, futsal and karate with the Vale karate club.

Playday is a national campaign, now in its twenty second year, where thousands of children and young people get out and play at locally organised events. Each year Playday has a campaign theme, this year it's 'Make time!'.

Joanne Jones, the play development officer for the Vale council said: "This year’s campaign is calling for everyone to make time for play. We are encouraging everyone from parents, carers and teachers, to policy makers and planners to make time to support children’s right to play."

Jane Hutt, said: "National Playday provides us with an ideal opportunity to highlight the importance of play for children and young people. Play is fundamental to the healthy development of individuals and communities. The Vale’s sports and play development team and the parks department are taking a key role in ensuring that children and young people have access to quality play opportunities."

Jon Greatrex is the parks and open spaces officer based at Victoria Park and he says that it is an ideal place for families and children to play. It has recently been awarded Green Flag status, which recognises and rewards the best green spaces in the country.

The National Playday is part of a comprehensive play programme running throughout the summer in the Vale. Playschemes and Play Rangers are available at venues across the Vale. For further information regarding play opportunities in the Vale visit www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/sportsandplay or call 01446 704809.

Photograph: Enjoying National Playday with the Vale Karate club