Ref: PR2227
Date: 20/05/09

Wakefield Council is celebrating the first ever National Family Week with more than 100 events including free family swimming for the whole week.

The events will be taking place around the district including picnics, story times in libraries, play days, crafts, and sports activities. Running from 25 to 31 May, National Family Week aims to bring families together.

Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People Cllr Pat Garbutt said: "We have organised lots of events to provide a fantastic, fun week for the whole family. There is something for everyone to enjoy and our local events will encourage families to play, learn, eat healthily, read and, most importantly, spend time together.

"National Family Week is about bringing families together, recognising the importance of strong families and encouraging debate about important issues that face families today and we’re pleased to be providing an opportunity to celebrate and value family life."

Double Olympic Swimming Champion Rebecca Adlington added: "Without the support and encouragement of my family, I may not be where I am today. My parents and sisters have always been there for me to take me to early morning training, come to my competitions, help me stay positive and give me the love and strength I needed to take me to the Olympics. Family is so important and National Family Week is a great reminder to all of us that we should be thankful for our relationships and always put aside special time to spend together."

The free family swimming (up to two adults and their children) will be available all week during public swim session times at the following venues: Lightwaves Leisure Centre; Knottingley Swimming Pool; Minsthorpe Swimming Pool; Normanton Swimming Pool; Castleford Swimming Pool; Pontefract Swimming Pool and Featherstone Swimming Pool. (Lightwaves Leisure Centre, Knottingley Sport Centre/swimming pool and Minsthorpe Swimming Pool are open Bank Holiday Monday).

Please contact the individual pools or visit www.wakefield.gov.uk to check these times.

And don’t forget that there is free swimming throughout the district for under 16s and over 60s as usual.

For all other activities and to find out what is happening locally visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/nfw (see related links) or check the attached leaflet. There is free internet access at every Council library in the district.

Ends