International Day of Play

Pupils from local primary schools joined the OUR Generation team at PlayBoard NI to mark the International Day of Play at a celebration event on 11th June.

Children from Poyntzpass Primary School, St Joseph’s and St James’s Primary School, St Laurence O’Toole’s Primary School, and Mullaglass Primary School came together to celebrate their participation in PlayBoard’s Spaces to Be programme through the OUR Generation Project.

Held at Armagh Palace Stables, the outdoor event gave children the opportunity to explore, create and play through a range of activities including loose parts play, arts and crafts, den building, and sensory play.

The Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Councillor Mary O’Dowd, attended the event and heard first-hand about the positive impact the programme has had on local children and young people.

OUR Generation Project Manager Carol Scullion, from Action Mental Health, also attended the event. She said:

“It’s fantastic to see PlayBoard NI in bringing children together through play, as part of the OUR Generation Project. Through their Spaces To Be Programme, they do outstanding work in supporting children’s wellbeing and creating opportunities for connection and learning. Events like this are a wonderful way to mark International Day of Play, as a cross-community celebration that helps build friendships, understanding and shared experiences.”

 Now in its third year, the International Day of Play was established by the United Nations to champion and protect the child’s right to play, as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (Article 31). The day highlights the importance of play in supporting children’s health, development, well-being and happiness.

For more information please visit: www.unicef.org/parenting/day-of-play

Lord Mayor of ABC Council, Cllr Mary O’Dowd (Centre), with Angela Stallard, Director of Service Delivery & Development (PlayBoard NI) and OUR Generation Project Manager Carol Scullion (Action Mental Health) along with school pupils.