Schools, organisations and individuals in Ripon are being urged to help develop plans for a second summer of free sports and activities for children.
Ripon Together, which organised last year’s Summer of Play to support families during the summer holidays, has launched a city-wide survey to build on that experience.
Last year’s events ranged from formal team sports such as cricket and football to karate and croquet, dance, yoga, mindfulness and orienteering, as well as nature hunts at Fountains Abbey.
There were also activities for disabled people, including wheelchair bowls at Hugh Ripley Hall.
Ripon Together, a not-for-profit partnership organisation, has circulated a letter about this year’s activities. It says:
“We want to offer things that are relevant, useful and fun for children, young people and families, connecting organisations and showing what is available for them around Ripon.
“We are now formulating plans for 2022 and if there is anyone in your organisation who could give us their ideas, then please ask them to complete the survey. The more information we have the better that we can prepare.”
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The Summer of Play 2021 was designed to help children and their families after the lifting of the covid lockdown restrictions ln July, which had seen sporting, cultural and other group activities put on hold.
Any questions or queries can be emailed to info@ripontogether.com or you can call David Ingham on 07775 731276.
Free summer activities for Ripon kids set to start
Clubs and organisations in Ripon are to provide a programme of free summer activities for the city’s children.
Community interest company Ripon Together has organised a wide range of events, starting on Saturday.
Summer of Play aims to get children out together again, trying new sports and activities.
It will also help local organisations encourage young people to join up.
A spokesperson for Ripon Together said.
“The children of the city have been especially brave and resilient over the last 18 months.
“They’ve seen huge upheaval with schools and their usual activities have been cancelled and adapted during the pandemic.
“Now, as the restrictions lift, amazing organisations across the city have joined in with the initiative. The result is a programme of free events giving kids of all school ages the opportunity to try sports or other activities over the summer.”
Hugh Ripley Hall is the venue for wheelchair bowls (Boccia) and yoga on Sunday
Events range from formal team sports such as cricket and football, through to karate and croquet, dance, yoga, mindfulness and orienteering, as well as nature hunts at Fountains Abbey.
First up on Saturday is a free taster session at Karate Dojo, the chance to have fun with the whole family at a free play day at Ripon Tennis Centre and an opportunity to get moving in a fun dance class hosted by Ripon Dance Studio.
On Sunday, fun with tennis and karate continues and children will also be able to try their hands at boccia and yoga at the Hugh Ripley Hall.
There are sessions for people with disabilities too, including wheelchair bowls.
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Karate coach Ady Gray, who was named UK’s Children’s Coach of the Year in 2018, said:
“It’s great to welcome our children and young people back into the social community of sport and recreation.
“This initiative will promote the great clubs and groups to all the local people of Ripon, offering benefits to fitness, health and mental wellbeing after what has been a hard year both physically and mentally for our children.”
Diane Hutchinson, from Ripon Tennis Centre, said:
“Health and fitness should be fun and tennis is a fantastic game that is not only fun to play but also offers great social opportunities also. We have classes to suit all levels of player so if you want to get involved we would love to see you!”
Activities have been arranged throughout July and August. The full programme can be viewed at www.ripontogether.com