As we move into the final week of the summer holidays, Newport Live’s Community Sport and Wellbeing Team has engaged with over 3,000 children and their families. Over 20 events and activities have been delivered to date for families with children aged 3 to 18 years across parks, green spaces, primary and secondary schools in Newport, as well as at Newport Live facilities.
Activities include Welly Walks for the younger children, Kick About, Hub Rugby, Girls Takeover Summer for primary and secondary school children, as well as Sport in the Park and Pop-Up Sport events for people of all ages – ensuring there’s truly something for everyone!
This extensive range of activities and events on offer have not only provided families with the opportunity to try various sports and activities, but also have fun and socialise with friends and other children in the community. Once again, this year, the team focused on tackling holiday hunger in Newport, lending support to families who require assistance during the school holidays. To date, over 360 breakfasts, almost 1,000 packed lunches, as well as fruit and water, have been distributed across five weeks to children, young people, and parents; all of which were so gratefully received and evidently needed.
Chloe Powton, Community Sport and Physical Activity Development Manager, expressed her delight at the success of the events, saying, “The engagement we’ve witnessed at every single event we’ve organised has been truly remarkable. Witnessing children embracing physical activity, enjoying sports, and connecting with their peers is incredibly gratifying. Our enthusiasm for these events is deeply rooted in our dedication to helping the community by offering fresh experiences for both children and their families and inspiring them to explore new avenues of physical engagement, even extending beyond our events. A pivotal aspect of our approach involves the provision of breakfast and packed lunches, as we recognise the pressing concern of holiday hunger and are committed to tackling the problem. As we move to the final weeks of the summer holidays, we still have a number of exciting events on the horizon, we eagerly anticipate the possibility of even sunnier days ahead.”
One parent whose children attended a Hub Rugby session praised the event saying, “I just wanted to say thank you for today. The boys had an excellent time. My son returned home excitedly recounting how much he enjoyed the day. They all have a deep passion for rugby and eagerly seize any chance to engage in the sport. Thank you for offering more of these opportunities within the community.” Positive sentiments were shared by attendees of the Welly Walk and Pop-Up Sport events, highlighting the success and impact of these initiatives.
Andrea Ovey, Director of Business Development at Newport Live said, “The engagement and activities provided by the Community Sports and Wellbeing team over the summer compliment the team’s year-round work and dedication to increasing engagement and participation levels across Sport and Art. All of which, play a hugely important part in improving not only physical wellbeing but mental and emotional wellbeing too. The huge number of participants shows that there is very much a want and need in our centres and communities for these activities. As a charitable trust, we’d like to thank our partners and funders who’ve helped us to deliver these fantastic and fun activities, and importantly the Newport Live team for once again delivering a wonderful summer and encouraging everyone to take part.”
Funding received from Sport Wales, Newport City Council, Welsh Government and the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner for Gwent and Arts Council of Wales to name but a few, have enabled Newport Live’s Community Sport & Wellbeing Team and Arts Development Team to deliver activities, Inspiring People to be Happier and Healthier.
Newport Live’s Community Sport and Wellbeing Team extends their gratitude to their partners, funders, and organisations including Vans Direct, Welsh Rugby Union, Disability Sport Wales, Maindee Primary School, John Frost School, Rogerstone Community Council, Football Association of Wales, Knights Girls Rugby Hub and Newport High School Old Boys RFC for their invaluable support and collaboration in helping to deliver its summer outreach program.
As Newport Live is a charitable trust, all of its customers and members are helping to support the delivery of community projects and activities across Newport.
There is just over one week left of the summer with a handful of events still left to be delivered by the Community Sport & Wellbeing team. To learn more about the remaining activities and events (many of which are free) this summer visit newportlive.co.uk/HolidayActivities .
