A free bounce to forget

A free bounce to forget

Supporting families through fun is the name of the game, as 2000 young children prepare to take part in a free multisport event for families’ worst effected by February’s earthquake.

On May 29, children aged two to 10 years will navigate a sand sprint and bouncy castle obstacle course organised by Tiddlers Multisport Charitable Trust. Additionally they can boggie their way to megawatt smiles with the Funky Monkeys – a popular children’s entertainment band. The Tiddlers Children’s Race, Event Director Vivien McCaskey has modelled this free community event on the popular Tiddlers Multisport races she regularly organises for young children.

“I see this as a way for families who have been through tough times, to have a day away, forget what is happening for a few hours and focus on their families and their own wellbeing.”

While little legs run and jump their way to happiness, an area has been set aside to support parents. “The Parents Room is a discreet area where parents who might need some support can get it. Many people might have coped ok immediately after the earthquake, but with the ongoing aftershocks and the reality of dealing with broken homes and lives, the stress levels could still be building.”

Trained counsellors from the CDHB will be available, as will members of the Lions International Recovery Trust and local Church. There will be opportunities to get advice and counselling on the day, book future sessions with professionals or gather information to take away.

“While the race is about the kids, I see it as a way to get the parents together to talk, share, seek help and generally take a break. So many people are really frazzled and I believe it’s really important to have the support services available again.”

Hundreds of children have entered online and McCaskey says the numbers are strictly limited to 2000. “As soon as we reach our maximum, we will close entries off. If you are not registered you will not be allowed entry to the event.”

The Tiddlers Trust has been overwhelmed at the support being offered. Lions International, BNZ, ANZ/National Bank, Air New Zealand and the Christchurch City Council have volunteered assistance to help bring the free event to the people of Eastern Christchurch and surrounding suburbs.

To receive a free entry to the event, you must live, or have lived in one of the 45 suburbs identified as being the worst hit by February’s earthquake – these stretch from Sumner to Lyttelton, through to central city and out to Brooklands and are detailed on the front page of the Tiddlers website.

“I have had many people wanting to nominate families outside of these areas to receive a free entry. These are people who have worked tirelessly to get schools and pre-schools open after the earthquake.”

To help recognise them, the Trust has opened up a ballot system enabling others to nominate children from these families who reside outside the eastern suburbs. “One week before the event, we will randomly select 50 of these children to receive a free entry.”

Three concerts will be performed throughout the day by the Hamilton based Funky Monkeys and Dizzy Dog. There will a continuous free sausage sizzle, free apples and bananas for the children competing, free face painting, balloons and certificates, with medals for the fastest children in each age group. Companies across the region have donated to an impressive pool of spot prizes, including five weekends away for the entire family in Hanmer, including petrol for travel and a grocery voucher. Other prizes include hosted birthdays for a party size of 10 children with a free cake, massage vouchers, petrol and grocery vouchers and other essential goodies.

“I have been overwhelmed at the generosity and offers of support from the community.”

The free Tiddlers Children’s Race kicks off at 11am with the two year olds event in the Canterbury Riding for the Disabled arena in the Canterbury Agricultural Park. The event will be opened by Mayor, Bob Parker. Entry will be strictly limited to entrants and their families. Entries are allocated on a first in first served basis and each age group will close off when the allocated spots are filled. The only way to enter is online at http://www.tiddlersmultisport.co.nz/

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