NEWS: Children's Day 2012

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Mascots and Holy Family Primary School Race Towards Children’s Day - Sports mascots led by our very own Max Mynah came together yesterday to launch a major event in the Leeds Calendar.

The egg & spoon race launched Children’s Day 2012 which will take place at the world famous Headingley Carnegie Stadium on Sunday 22^nd July 10.30-4pm.

Children’s Day is a free event that gives families from across Yorkshire the chance to explore the Stadium, play on the Cricket and Rugby pitches, try some new activities, meet some local celebrities and most importantly have a fun day out at this very special venue!

Activities on the day will include a bouncy castle, face painters, an old school sports day, dance sessions, wheelchair rugby, zoo animals, sports sessions, police horses, fire engines and stadium tours to name just a few! Celebrity Chef Brian Turner MBE will be delivering cooking demonstrations throughout the day and at 3pm Emmerdale Cast and Crew will be taking on the mighty Rhinos in a rugby match! Entry and activities are free.

Will Saville, Community Development Manager of the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation commented: “Children’s Day is a fantastic event and we are very excited to be hosting and organising it along with Leeds Rugby Foundation and the Gary Chappelow Memorial Fund. We have lots planned so it will be a great day out for all the family to get involved in. Due to the kind sponsorship from Yorkshire Bank we have been able to offer all the activities for free.”

The roots of Children’s Day go back to 1922 when each year 10’s of thousands of people would gather on Soldiers Field at Roundhay Park to take part in sporting competitions.

In 1946, just after the Second World War over 96,000 people attended! In 2008 the event was resurrected by the Gary Chappelhow Memorial Fund and Children’s Day 2012 is being delivered by Leeds Rugby Foundation, Yorkshire Cricket Foundation and the Gary Chappelhow Memorial Fund in Partnership with Yorkshire Bank, West Yorkshire Police and Leeds City Council.

Brian Turner said: 'The Yorkshire Bank Cook Off Challenge gives me a great reason to take part in the re launch of Children's Day. Being born in Leeds I know what a special occasion this has been traditionally, and it’s great to see it being resurrected to its former glory.'