Wriggle & Rhyme Programme Wins 2011 NZ Sport & Recreation Award

A programme promoting active movement for under-two year olds in Auckland libraries has won a New Zealand Sport and Recreation Award.

The Wriggle & Rhyme active movement for early learning programme last night won the Project Collaboration Award at the 2011 NZ Sport & Recreation Awards.

The award recognises the unique partnership between Auckland Libraries, Sport Auckland, Sport Waitakere, Counties Manukau Sport and Harbour Sport, which has enabled children and their parent/caregivers to participate in Wriggle & Rhyme programmes in libraries across the Auckland region.

The Wriggle & Rhyme sessions are based on Sport and Recreation New Zealand’s (SPARC) Active Movement initiative which aims to provide positive movement experiences to stimulate development of both the brain and body among youngsters.

The theory is that movement is a child’s first language, so it is important to provide babies with whole body movements right from birth.

Parents and caregivers also join in and can learn fundamental movement skills and fun movement activities to put in to practice at home.

"Wriggle & Rhyme is one of our most effective programmes. It aligns with the role of libraries in supporting reading, literacy and learning for all ages, and it helps build strong communities,” says Allison Dobbie, Libraries and Information Manager, Auckland Council.

The programme evolved from Sport Auckland’s Active Movement for Babies pilot programme and was first introduced in Auckland in 2008.

The partnership between the four regional sports trusts and a grant from SPARC enabled the programme to be expanded and it is now delivered in 50 libraries across greater Auckland.

Ashlie Gauld, Special Projects Manager of Sport Auckland says the success of the project is due to the innovation and hard work that each partner organisation has contributed.

“All partners look forward to seeing Wriggle & Rhyme continue to evolve and develop, getting more young children and their parents/caregivers participating every week.”

In its first year Wriggle & Rhyme saw more than 70,000 participants (children and caregivers) across 50 Auckland libraries. Since then the number of participants have continued to grow.

The programme has now been introduced successfully in other areas of New Zealand.

You can find out more about Wriggle & Rhyme sessions by visiting your local library or by going to www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz or go to www.sparc.org.nz to find out about more active movement.

ENDS

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