From canoeing to horse riding – how The Sun’s Activity For All campaign helped kids keep active by handing out £150k
THE Sun’s Activity For All campaign handed out £150,000 to help keep kids across the country active during the school holidays.
We launched our push in June and encouraged holiday clubs running much-needed activities for children to apply for funding.
For many parents, the school breaks can be a stressful time due to the increased costs and need for childcare.
Tesco provided our grant fund as part of its Stronger Starts initiative, which is aimed at supplying nutritious food and healthy activities for children.
From horse riding to BMXing, and cricket to canoeing, we take a look at some of the great clubs given £1,000 funding this summer.
The Triangle Playground, Oval, South London
THE oldest playground in the capital used its grant to provide six weeks of engaging daily activities.
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The funding supported slime workshops, go-kart building and racing and much more, with children aged four and upwards taking part for free.
Many enjoyed the same space their grandparents remembered from childhood.
Playworker Gabriel, 42, said: “We want to give a massive thank you to The Sun for supporting a wonderful summer of play this year.
“The grant made a real difference, allowing over 250 children to have a traditional childhood summer with outdoor play.”
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The Triangle, based in Oval, South East London, opened in 1957 and promotes child-led play, with supportive adults helping out.
Gabriel added: “Our kids come from diverse cultures and backgrounds, and we encourage pride in their culture while uniting them through play.”
Springboard, Horsham, West Sussex
CHARITY Springboard used its £1,000 grant to provide play sessions for children with special needs, and fund free days out.
Outings included trips to Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens in Horsham, West Sussex, and Clip ’n Climb activity centres and bowling.
Vickie Harvey, 43, who works for the charity, said: “Grants like The Sun’s make such a difference.
"The funding went towards active sessions for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
“The cost-of-living crisis and long summer holidays have pushed some families to crisis point, so having an affordable and inclusive play space is a lifesaver.
"It offers opportunities to socialise, try new things and build life skills.
“If our centre closed, many families would feel the impact.
“Parents tell us that the charity’s work is a lifesaver.’”
Solihull Moors Foundation, West Midlands
THE Sun’s grant funded summer holiday activity sessions and free meals at the foundation’s camps.
Around 110 children received sports coaching, including their own version of the Olympics.
Foundation worker Becci Fox said: “We did football javelin, football archery, sprints and more for our mini Olympics.
"Each team was a mix of different age groups to encourage friendships, and everyone went home with a medal.
“The camps were fantastic – they bring smiles to everyone’s faces. It was amazing seeing children grow in confidence. We also provided specialist support for kids needing extra help.
“The Sun’s funding made the camp more accessible, offering free places and meals. Without it, we’d struggle.”
Trentham Boat Club, Staffordshire
THANKS to our grant, boat club bosses bought equipment so 150 kids aged 11-12 could try rowing for the first time over the summer.
The stabilising gear simplifies learning, offering disadvantaged children a chance to engage in a sport often reserved for more privileged youngsters.
Sarah Whelehan, 46, the club’s parent representative, said: “Thanks to everyone involved in making the junior learn to row sessions.”
Many children who tried rowing this summer have chosen to continue, with hopes of joining the club’s squads.
Parents were pleased to see improvements in their children’s fitness, confidence and leadership skills.
One remarked: “My daughter had a great experience.
“She enjoyed it so much she has now joined the club full-time and loves it.”
Saddle U! Alcester Town Council, Warwickshire
OUR Activity For All grant paid for eight kids with special needs to spend a day with horses and receive specialist riding lessons.
The inclusive day at the facility in Warwickshire allowed each child to groom and ride a pony.
One parent told The Sun: “It was lovely to see the kids all having fun, and my daughter Ella really enjoyed the day. It was incredible to see no meltdowns. She would love to go back.”
Wendy Sherwood, 59, Alcester Town Council’s health and wellbeing coordinator, said: “A trip like this wouldn’t be possible without funding like Activity For All.
"Many families can’t afford expensive leisure activities and often can’t take their special needs children to mainstream activities.”
The Farming Mother, St Austell, Cornwall
MORE than 50 kids with special educational needs and their families visited the idyllic rural location for farm therapy sessions, funded by our £1,000 grant.
Children, from toddlers to 16-year-olds, become mini farmers for the day, interacting with goats, sheep, horses and baby alpacas.
Founder Keeley Reading said: “The grant allows us to help more people.
“Through animal therapy, the children develop social, emotional and cognitive skills in a safe environment. These sessions help children reach their full potential.”
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Joanne Sims, 44, whose three children attended, told the farm: “Thank you for providing a wonderful environment.”
Claire, 38, who brought her eight-year-old son Riley, said: “Being around animals helped him find his own happy little place.”