LET’S PLAY, WICKLOW: PROMOTING PLAY FOR ALL CHILDREN

Wicklow County Council – in conjunction with Healthy Wicklow, Wicklow Sports & Recreation Partnership, Sláintecare Healthy Communities, and the Wicklow Libraries – is delighted to announce the launch of the Let’s Play programme across various locations in the county.

This government-led initiative aims to promote play for all children, fostering active and healthy lifestyles while encouraging community engagement and physical well-being.

Let’s Play Ballywaltrim, Bray, took place on Wednesday last (28th June) signifying the official unveiling of the ‘Let’s Play’ packs which will be made available to the public to rent for free at their local libraries.   The packs include beloved classics such as Snake and Ladders, Jamanga Towers, Sports Day Set, Horseshoe Pitching Game, and Big Fish Small Fish Game.

Pictured at the launch of the Let’s Play packs at Ballywaltrim were L/ R: Magda McAuliffe (Ballywaltrim Library); Aisling Hubbard (Wicklow Sports & Recreation Partnership); Lorraine Dunne (Healthy Wicklow) Cllr Aoife Flynn Kennedy, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council; Margaret Birchall (Wicklow Libraries) and Meadhbh Cahill (Sláintecare Healthy Communities).

Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Aoife Flynn Kennedy, highlighted the significance of the programme for the local community, saying: “By providing free access to these games, we aim to ensure that all children have the opportunity to play and have fun.”

Emer O’Gorman, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, expressed her enthusiasm for the ‘Let’s Play’ programme, stating: “We are proud to lead the Let’s Play initiative in partnership with Healthy Wicklow, Wicklow Sports & Recreation Partnership, Sláintecare Healthy Communities, and the Wicklow Libraries. This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering healthy habits among children, promoting active play, and cultivating a sense of joy and togetherness.”

Director of Services Michael Nicholson added: “Let’s Play is the result of a remarkable partnership between government agencies and community organisations. By working together, we can create meaningful opportunities for children to engage in play, develop essential skills, and build lasting relationships within our communities.”

The ‘Let’s Play’ programme continues across the county with the following events:

• Let’s Play, Dunlavin!

Venue:  Outside Library

Date: Wednesday, 5th July

Time: 10am to 11:30am

• Let’s Play, Blessington!

Venue:  Market Square

Date: Wednesday, 5th July

Time: 2pm to 3:30pm

• Let’s Play, Rathdrum!

Venue:  Outside Library

Date: Thursday, 6th July

Time: 10am to 11:30am

• Let’s Play, Greystones!

Venue:  People’s Park

Date: Friday, 7th July

Time: 3pm to 4:30pm