Schoolchildren in Newtown and surrounding communities are being challenged to keep fit throughout the school holidays by reading books.
Newtown Library and others in the area have launched the Big Friendly Read with the aim of getting schoolchildren to read six books throughout the summer holidays and receive a free family swim voucher for Maldwyn Leisure Centre in return.
Powys County Council’s Library Service and Freedom Leisure have joined forces to help children stay fit mentally and physically over the summer months.
Freedom Leisure, which operate the leisure centre, has donated the vouchers which are also available for use at The Flash at Welshpool.
The library service is challenging children between the ages of four and 11 to join the Big Friendly Read.
When they have completed the challenge, they will receive a medal and certificate, plus a free family swim voucher and will also have the chance to win donated prizes and take part in many events in libraries across the county.
At the same time, Freedom Leisure has asked children in Powys between the ages of 4-14 to join the Junior Summer Fitness Challenge and pledge three fitness diaries (30 physical activities) over the holidays.
Grown-ups will also be able to join in the fun as this year’s challenge includes special family activities described in each diary, with the chance to win prizes along the way.
The two services will promote each other’s summer challenge – working together to keep our youngsters’ mind and body fit.
Trish Thomas, the council’s Children’s Librarian, said: “The message is simple, we want kids to stay fit mentally and physically over the summer and we see the two services working together to jointly promote these challenges over the holidays.”
Cllr Graham Brown, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Library Services, said: “Both challenges encourage the need for mental and physical activity, and the wellbeing and health of our young is always a priority. This joint promotion and health campaign illustrates we can tackle these issues together.”
Karen Burrell, Freedom Leisure’s Sales and Marketing Director said: “This is the first year we’ve introduced the Junior Summer Fitness Challenge in Powys and it is a great opportunity for parents to keep their children active and healthy during the long summer break. We’re delighted to be partnering with the valuable library service in Powys and we look forward to lots of children registering for both challenges.”
The “Big Friendly Read” starts on Saturday 9 July and runs until September. Join at the library to get your free collector pack and stickers. Free family swim vouchers can be redeemed up at Freedom Leisure’s pools until Sunday 30 October.
For more information go to www.powys.gov.uk/library or join us on www.facebook.com/powyslibraries or www.twitter.com/powyslibraries
Parents can register their children online at www.freedom-leisure.co.uk/JSFC or pick up their first JSFC fitness diary from their local Freedom Leisure Centre ready to start their first activity on day one of the Challenge, Friday 22 July.
