CHILDREN are being urged to take part in a day of sporting activities and learn about healthy living.
The Top Shops Fit 4 Fun events will start on Tuesday, August 13, at Montrose Court Community Centre, off Melbourne Road, Stapleford, and finish the following day.
Over the two days, children aged between eight and 11 will learn to cook basic food and be taught football and rugby skills by professional coaches.
They well also get the opportunity to use specialist bikes that blend fruit smoothies as they are pedalled.
The programme is being targeted at the Stapleford North electoral areas.
Organiser Richard MacRae, of Stapleford Community Group, said: "The two days are supposed to be fun but also a serious attempt at teaching the young people the importance of being healthy
"Our main concern is with the poverty level in Stapleford North.
"The number of children living in poverty under 16 years old in our area is 29.9 per cent, which is far too high.
"Broxtowe Borough Council has helped us set this up and it is our first collaboration but hopefully one of many."
Also attending the event will be staff of the Pulp Friction Smoothie Bar Project, which provides volunteering opportunities for young adults aged 16 to 24 to develop work-readiness, social and independence skills.
The project holds meetings at Montrose Court Community Centre and grows soft fruit at the Dig-In Community Allotment, Pasture Road, Stapleford.
Project founder Jill Carter said: "The fun days are a really great idea and a good way of engaging the local people.
"We know that people are living with social deprivation and poverty in Stapleford North, so it is really important to teach children how to be active and live healthy.
"We will be bringing our blender bikes along for people to have a go on so they can create their own healthy smoothie.
The fun days have been paid for with National Lottery money by Broxtowe Borough Council in a drive to inspire public involvement in sport as part of the London Olympics legacy.
Council spokeswoman Julie Bonser said: "We wanted to make sure that we celebrated the London Olympic and Paralympic Games here in Broxtowe, and are able to do this through the distribution of legacy funds to local groups.
"We are all looking forward to the days on August 13 and 14."
Both fun days are free to attend. To book a place or for more information, call Richard MacRae on 07740344427 or e-mail staplefordcommunitygroup@ gmail.com.
