Newport Live’s Community Sport & Wellbeing Team have launched free Pop-Up Sport events for children, young people and families this summer.  The community family events started on Monday 19th July and continue to run over the school holidays, alongside the popular Sport in the Park series and other Summer of Fun activities.

A total of 18 family events will be delivered at parks and open spaces in Newport with a wide range of free fun sport and physical activities on offer for children aged 3 – 14 years. Healthy snacks, fruit and water will be provided, supporting Newport families during the holidays as part of the national holiday hunger campaign. 

After the first 2 weeks over 1,500 children and families have come along to take part at the activity events, outdoors in the fresh air on Newport’s green spaces and parks. 

Karl Reed, Head of Community Sport & Wellbeing at Newport Live said “After an extremely difficult 18 months, many families, teachers, and partners have been telling us that they want to get outside and be active, to have fun, to socialize, and to be inspired.

“This just complemented our already ambitious plans for the Summer, where we set about adding more events to the programme. The willingness of our staff to get out, interact, have fun, work the hours they are every day, and to go the extra mile from morning to evening has been outstanding!”  

Chloe Powton, Community Sport & Physical Activity Development Officer at Newport Live said “We’ve seen families walk up, book in advance, and some are even following the events from as far as Duffryn to Underwood.

“Parents know they can come along to a safe event with a lovely atmosphere and be supported by our staff if they need it, children can be taught and games facilitated, young people with additional needs are encouraged, and even parents get to play and take part as well if they like!

“We’ve had lovely feedback at every event so far, especially where we are providing this in so many different communities, and with free healthy packed lunches and water for those that need it the most.” 

There are still more to come, with more summer events being run in Newport Live leisure facilities and at the recently re-opened Riverfront Theatre & Arts Centre. Whilst these events are free there are limited spaces so advanced booking is required, especially for Sport in the Park in the coming weeks. Visit newportlive.co.uk/ChildrensHolidayActivities.

The engagement and activities being provided by Newport Live over the summer, compliments year-round work to increase children, young people, and adult’s levels of physical activity, engagement in the arts, and improve their mental and emotional wellbeing. Funding received from Sport Wales, Newport City Council, and the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner for Gwent have enabled Newport Live’s Community Sport & Wellbeing Team and Arts Development Team to deliver activities to get people active, to keep young people inspired, and to support families that need assistance.

Newport Live’s Community Sport & Wellbeing Team deliver sport, health and wellbeing opportunities for children, families, schools, sport clubs and communities across Newport. They strive to make a difference by encouraging people to be more physically active and support people’s mental wellbeing. The team are held in high regard locally, regionally, and nationally by partners, and continue to use sport as a tool to engage and inspire people to be happier and healthier.

As Newport Live is a charitable organisation, all of its customers and members are helping to support the delivery of community projects and activities across Newport. 

To find out further information about Pop -Up Sport and other events this summer visit newportlive.co.uk/ChildrensHolidayActivities, email sportsdevelopment@newportlive.co.uk, or contact 01633656757.