Haven Holidays launches ‘Fun and Fitness’ giveaway

Haven Holidays, who offer a wide range of sports and leisure facilities at their 36 family holiday parks throughout the UK, are launching a Fun and Fitness campaign to support pre-school children across the country – backed by British Champion Rhythmic Gymnasts Francesca Jones and Keziah Gore.

Britain's leading family holiday company is planning to give away tens of thousands of items of sports equipment to pre-school groups in England, Scotland and Wales.

But unlike voucher schemes by major corporations and supermarket giants, no purchase is necessary.

Pre-school groups will be invited to register online by clicking on havenfunfitness.com. Parents will also be asked to pledge their support and those nurseries or playgroups gaining the most support will stand a better chance of attaining the much-needed equipment – although groups wishing to take part will need to respond promptly as places on the scheme are limited.

Naomi Woodstock, PR and Sponsorship Manager for Haven, said: “Haven Holidays offer all sorts of great activities for youngsters from swimming, football and fencing to golf, tennis and even archery. In particular the Wake and Shake sessions launched in 2008 have proved hugely popular with under-5’s.”

She continued, “We were keen to extend the Wake and Shake activity outside the holiday parks and help encourage little ones that exercise can be fun. Even though playgroups have to meet quite stringent requirements regarding sport and exercise there is little or no funding available to help them meet their targets. They often have to do their own fund-raising for equipment – or rely on donations - which is why we believe this age group truly deserves our support.”

Wake and Shake encourages youngsters to use a range of equipment including reaction balls, Frisbees, space hoppers and bean bags as well as taking part in races, exercises, parachute games and other activities organised by Haven FunStars. Much of the equipment available in Wake and Shake sessions will be included in the giveaway packs and pre-school leaders and playgroups will be able to download additional material and support.

Naomi added “This is one of the biggest projects Haven has undertaken outside of our holiday parks but with the huge interest in sport generated by the Beijing Olympics and London hosting the 2012 Games, we believe this is the perfect time to encourage youngsters right from an early age. The best way to do that is to make sure they have the right equipment available.”

Francesca Jones and Keziah Gore are spear-heading the campaign. Both girls, who are still in their teens themselves, started training at a young age and are keen to encourage other youngsters to get the exercise habit early. They say “We’re really proud to be involved with Haven’s Fun and Fitness campaign as it encourages little ones to enjoy exercise. At this level it’s all about having fun and the equipment supplied will really benefit the children and help them with hand and eye co-ordination, balance and confidence. We hope this could be the start of some budding gymnastic and sports careers!”

For more information about the scheme click on Havenfunfitness.com. For more details about Haven Holidays visit Haven.com.