Pupils at George Street Primary School enjoyed a visit from Torfaen’s Member of Parliament, Nick Thomas-Symonds, who took part in a ‘Move & Learn’ session as part of Ferrero’s corporate social responsibility programme Joy of moving.
With research showing that 53% of children in the UK fail to meet the Chief Medical Officer’s recommended guidelines of engaging in at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily, the Joy of moving programme, which celebrates its 10-year anniversary this year, is designed to inspire children to embrace physical activity and enjoy movement through a playful approach with the aim of encouraging lifelong habits into adulthood.
Over the last decade, the programme, which is delivered up and down the country in partnership with the English Football League Trust (EFL Trust) and its network of Club Community Organisations (CCOs), has successfully encouraged over 550,000 children across the UK to get moving, delivering over 2.5 million hours of additional learning in schools.
Nick Thomas-Symonds MP took part in a session which was delivered by Newport County AFC (County in the Community). During the session the children learnt about the importance of a balanced and varied diet and Thomas-Symonds MP also had the opportunity to join the children in taking part in playing games that are created based on Joy of moving’s unique methodology.
After the session, Nick Thomas-Symonds MP commended the programme, stating: “It was a pleasure to see and take part in the Joy of moving programme in my constituency at George Street Primary school, delivered by County in the Community. The Ferrero corporate social responsibility programme has found a unique way to encourage children to enjoy getting moving through the use of play. It was clear how much the children enjoyed the session from the smiles on their faces.”
Charlie Cayton, Director of Corporate Affairs and Communications at Ferrero UK, said: “This year is a milestone for our Joy of moving corporate social responsibility programme – we’re celebrating 10 years of community support across the UK, but more importantly, a decade of inspiring children and their families to get moving by playing, which we know is key.
“Over the last 10 years, we’re proud to have delivered Joy of moving in schools up and down the country through our long-term charity partnership with the EFL Trust and its network of Club Community Organisations. We’re excited for the programme to continue to go from strength to strength as we look ahead to the future.”
