Inspirational end to Popley activity project (From Basingstoke Gazette)
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Inspirational end to Popley activity project
3:00pm Monday 10th September 2012 in Local By Emily Roberts, Chief Reporter
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Olympic Games torchbearer Danielle Harrison, centre, with some of the holiday activity programme participants
YOUNG people in Basingstoke had the chance to meet inspirational people at the grand finale of a summer holiday activity programme.
Sentinel Housing Association’s Get With event ran for four weeks at Everest Community Academy , in Oxford Way, Popley.
The youngsters who took part invited their families along for the last day to meet Basingstoke-based Olympic torchbearer Danielle Harrison, Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Lauren Thalia, and representatives from the police, fire service, RAF and St John Ambulance.
A display was put on by police dogs, trained to sniff out drugs and explosives, search for evidence and apprehend dangerous criminals.
Throughout the summer, the youngsters took part in activities including sports, dance, bike maintenance, themed spy and detective days, and cooking, which not only combat boredom but gave them an opportunity to try new activities for the first time.
Children who had shown exceptional behaviour and improvement over the summer were presented with a certificate and prizes for their achievements at the end of the four weeks.
Alaa Maygi, a 14-year-old participant, said: “I’ve really enjoyed Get With. It’s been great for meeting new people. My favourite activities from the summer were the beauty course and trampolining.”
Kari Tourle, Sentinel’s assistant director, said: “This is the seventh year that we have held Get With and we continue to be overwhelmed by the demand for good quality summer holiday activities.
“Get With has played a large part in giving kids worthwhile and enjoyable activities to keep them entertained and out of trouble.”
Mark Rowland, regional manager of Sports Xtra, which delivered the scheme on behalf of Sentinel, said: “We feel that we have certainly achieved our goal of engaging children from across the local community and gave them the opportunity to try a wide range of different sports and activities.”
