14/07/2009 -
2009 Sligo Play Day a Great Success
Sunday the 5th July saw Doorly Park was taken over by children and families in what has now been designated the National Play Day. National Play Day is an initiative promoted by the National Play and Recreation Resource Centre (NPRRC), the key aim of which is to promote traditional games and activities and give all children an opportunity to take part.
This collaboration between Sligo County Council, Sligo Borough Council and Sligo County Childcare Committee saw a collection of events relating to play and sports. The Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership along with the Rugby Club and Sligo Rovers were on hand to provide outdoor sporting and play activities that proved that the sun does not need to shine in order to have fun in the outdoors.
For the little ones who really didn’t want to get wet activities such as arts and crafts and messy play was provided. Face painters provided great artistic work on many a child’s face and even some of the adults were sporting very well designed faces.
Story telling has always been a huge tradition in Ireland and today the children and parent were treated to a wonderful story telling event provided by Sligo Library services.
One of the highlights of the day was the arrival of the Fire Engine, and the fire fighters kept the attention of all children big and small with demonstrations of fire hoses and the workings of the engine. As the sun came out, the races began and parents and children participated in the many races from 100 metres sprint to sack races. In excess of 80 families participated in the day.
Mayor of Sligo, Councillor Jimmy McGarry, said that he was glad that Sligo was participating in this national event and acknowledged that local agencies had facilitated a number of local play events over the past twelve months which were widely supported by local communities.
Councillor Tony Mc Loughlin who was also in attendance said it was fantastic to see what can be achieved when agencies collaborate. Roisin McGlone Chairperson of Sligo County Childcare Committee stated that play is not just for children but should be a part of the way we all live, having fun should be part of our daily lives and playing together as a family and community should be compulsory.
