Whānau play day at Northcote School will feature family fun and Crazy Bikes, encouraging people of all ages to ‘have a go’ at a range of different recreational activities.

On Friday 19 March, as part of the Play Day festivities, Principal Justin Perriam and his Northcote whānau invite the community to enjoy using the community's new bike track on the school grounds - see it in action and try some of the bikes on site.

Sport Canterbury’s Healthy Active Learning Team has supported the initiative and event planning alongside Papanui Youth Development Trust.

“Our schools have shown vision by introducing opportunities and events that promote play across generations,” says Sport Canterbury Chief Executive Julyan Falloon.

“Seeing whānau active together is rewarding. It’s about connection and movement as well as instilling healthy, enduring habits in the home environment.”

Falloon’s Healthy Active Learning team supports schools, kura and early learning settings to improve child and youth wellbeing through healthy eating and drinking, and quality physical activity.

“Play is the foundation for physical activity and sporting participation. The initiative of schools to promote time and space for play is a fantastic sign, since free play has vast benefits for our tamariki in terms of brain development and mental health."

 “It also supports a lifelong love of being active.”

Come along to Northcote School on Friday 19 March from 3-5pm

Northcote School

26 Tuckers Road, Redwood, Christchurch

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