WORLD BOOK DAY IS A PAGE TURNER WITH SAFC STARS

Foundation of Light marked the 23^rd anniversary of World Book Day with a celebration at the Beacon of Light. Nearly 100 primary school pupils from Sunderland and Hebburn joined in with a variety of activities and challenges using the power of football to inspire their love of reading and books through the Premier League Primary Stars programme. From the Incredible Hulk to the Cat in the Hat pupils were dressed up as their favourite literate character and joined Black Cats stars Lynden Gooch (Foundation's Health Ambassador) and Jordan Willis. The children were inspired by Michael Rosen’s ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ as the children went in search of Sunderland AFC mascot, Samson as well as Harry Potter inspired biscuit baking, potion making with University of Sunderland students all inspired by Roald Dahl George’s Marvellous Medicine and took part in sport activities. Sunderland AFC defender Jordan Willis said: “At events like this, you have fun, join in and the kids are great.  When I was growing up the characters in books inspire kids and opens up imagination, that’s why World Book Day is important.” Local author Anne Twine spoke to children and ignited their imagination with creating a new character for their own story.

Today has been fantastic and seeing the children get involved in so many activities inspired by books is great.  Special days like this allow us to demonstrate our way of using sport to help encourage young children to read through exciting activities

Danielle Chapman, Foundation of Light’s Primary Stars Coordinator

Foundation of Light delivers award-winning sports and education programmes for schools and academies across the North East, bringing subjects to life for pupils helping improve attitudes and skills while also increasing enthusiasm and motivation within the classroom.