Here’s a cunning plan to get kids reading: get them together with elite sports stars.
The kids of Campbelltown will do just that next month with help from members of the Sydney Thunder Big Bash League cricket team.
It’s all part of a new literacy program developed by Council’s library services and the Big Bash League (BBL) franchise.
It will involve players taking part in two 20-minute sessions on movement skills followed by book readings with the children, focusing on their enjoyment of stories.
Sydney Thunder, which has both a men’s and women’s team competing in the 20/20 format, boasts players such as world number one rated Test bowler Pat Cummins and Australian international run machine Rachael Haynes, pictured below.
“Sports people have an innate way of connecting with kids on many levels and we’re very pleased that members of this high profile team are taking the time out to encourage both literacy and physical activity here in Campbelltown,” says Mayor George Brticevic.
“It’s so important to get the balance right between pursuing a healthy lifestyle and also nourishing the mind, and these sessions will hopefully encourage children to engage more in both.”
The Thunder has strong links to Western Sydney and plays at home at Sydney Olympic Park’s Spotless Stadium.
Sydney Thunder players will take children aged five to 10 years through fundamental movement skills relating to cricket on Tuesday, April 16, during the school holidays.
The first session will be at HJ Daley Library from 10am to 11am, followed by Eagle Vale Library from 12pm to 1pm.
This program, which is supported by Cricket NSW and the NSW Department of Health, is part of Campbelltown Council’s Change4Campbelltown campaign.
This includes creative approaches that contribute to creating healthy environments that support health and wellbeing of the children and their families.
This Thunder sessions are free however bookings are essential and can be made through the libraries website.
To book a place go to:
https://www.campbelltown.nsw.gov.au/WhatsOn/SydneyThunderVisitHJDaley
https://www.campbelltown.nsw.gov.au/WhatsOn/SydneyThunderVisitEagleVale
