Media Release
15 October 2003
Children’s Day 2003 – Coming to a Leisure Centre near you
October 26 is National Children’s Day. This year Manukau City Council’s leisure centres are co-ordinating the event
supported by Manukau Youth Centre and Te Ora o Manukau – Manukau the Healthy City.
Children’s Day Co-ordinator Catherine Manning says that Children’s Day, which is held on the last Sunday in October each
year, is about celebrating children and encouraging adults to give their time to them.
“The key message is for parents, care-givers and communities to “give time” to our young, as well as love and affection,
praise and encouragement, listen and talk to them and provide them with new experiences.
“We want families to spend the day together, whether it is at one of the leisure centre events where they can make the
most of the free, fun activities we have on offer, or just at home”, says Catherine.
Families can join in activities such as tug-of-war, kayaking, treasure hunts and other aquatic games. A clown will also
be visiting each of the centres.
Marketing Co-ordinator for Manukau Leisure Centres, Philip Dobson says, “We are really thrilled that our leisure centres
are hosting Manukau’s Children’s Day celebrations this year.
“I invite all Manukau residents to celebrate the day with us. The philosophy of Children’s Day is one of giving time to
New Zealand’s children, and sits well with the vision of Tomorrow’s Manukau – the need for people to feel healthy, safe
and secure within themselves, with their families and their communities”, says Philip.
This is the fourth year that Manukau has celebrated Children’s Day. Previously the celebrations have been held at Hayman
Park.
More information on Children’s Day can be found at www.childrensday.org.nz
ENDS
MANUKAU’S CHILDREN’S DAY ACTIVITIES TIMETABLE
Papatoetoe Centennial Leisure Centre 12.00 – 5.00 pm
Manurewa Swimming Leisure Centre 12.00 – 3.30 pm
Norman Kirk Memorial Leisure Centre 12.00 – 3.00 pm
Moana Nui A Kiwa Leisure Centre 11:00 – 3.00 pm
Lloyd Elsmore Leisure Centre 1.00 – 3.00 pm