Over 5,000 people, both old and young, flocked to Headingley Carnegie Stadium yesterday for the annual Children’s Day event.
Children's Day is an annual event held across the cricket and rugby grounds at Headingley Carnegie Stadium. Its origins date as far back as 1922 when tens of thousands of people would flock to Soldiers' Field at Roundhay Park to enjoy the day. In 1946, just after the Second World War, it was reported that 96,000 people attended.
Leeds Rugby Foundation this year, worked in partnership with the Garry Chappelow Memorial Fund, the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation, Leeds United Foundation and partners Mears and Irwin Mitchell Solicitors to host what was a memorable day.
There were a host of activities for everyone including rugby, football and cricket tournaments. There were also a number of stalls and goings-on including: Wheelchair Rugby League, Face Painters, Penalty Kick speed competition, British Gas – Generation Green project, Smoothie Bikes provided by Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, X-Blades, multi-skills zone donated by partners Pims ltd,
West Yorkshire Police Open Day and many, many more.
One of the main attractions was the annual mascot race featuring everyone’s favourite mascot, One Ronnie the Rhino as well as Terry the Terrier, Vinny the Viking, Lucas the Kop Cat and the official police mascots. Ronnie was also joined by the full Leeds Rhinos squad as well as a number of other famous faces including, Rhinos head coach Brian McDermott and the Lord Mayor of Leeds.
Leeds Rhinos star, Rob Burrow who was present with his family on the day, commented: “Today was a great chance for the players and fans to get together and take part in some fantastic activities. All the kids enjoyed themselves and that is what today was all about.”
Leeds Rugby Foundation Trustee and Rhinos ace Jamie Jones-Buchanan said: “My kids loved it. They thrive off the chance to meet the likes of Kevin Sinfield and Ryan Hall and they got to meet them both today. This is what life is about, getting everyone together on such a nice day and joining in all the activities. Thesesort of days makes Leeds Rhinos and Leeds Rugby Foundation such an honour to be a part of.”
Leeds Rugby Foundation, Partnership Manager Davide Longo commented: “It truly was a great day for the whole family.”
“A big thanks must go to all the local businesses who were on-hand to entertain the public. A huge thanks to partners Mears, Irwin Mitchell, Pims, British Gas and Gary Chappelow Memorial Fund for their efforts.”
"The weather was fantastic, as was the turnout and the many number of events which took place. Congratulations to the winners of all the festivals and raffles and a final thanks to Siobhan Walpole for overseeing the event, making it a huge success."
Stay tuned for video content on Leeds Rugby Foundation’s website: www.leedsrugbyfoundation.org or you can view pictures from the event on https://www.facebook.com/pages/Leeds-Rugby-Foundation/215340785217319