Dear Colleagues
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I am delighted to announce that we have been successful in our bid to be one of the beneficiaries of the Tesco Stronger Starts scheme. This means that, from the middle of January to the end of March 2024, Tesco customers will be able to vote for Thanet Passport using the little blue tokens that they receive at checkout. Thanet Passport will benefit from between £500 and £1500, depending upon how many votes we receive, and the money will be used to support the 80+ events on our calendar. This support will include such things as new equipment, first aid cover, 'no photography' wristbands, medals and trophies, not to mention ensuring that school affiliation fees are kept as low as possible. I would therefore be grateful if you could highlight this scheme with your children and their families so that we can hopefully obtain the maximum amount available.
A new addition to our calendar for 2023/24, this event will take place at Bugsy's Bowling in Cliftonville on Thursday 25th January 2024, 3.45-5.00pm. The event is SEND friendly and is designed for those children who may have low self-esteem and who have not had the opportunity to represent their school before. Teams of 6 pupils can be a mixture of ages from Years 1 to 6. There is a limit of 8 schools for this event, although schools may request to bring a second team.if the event is undersubscribed. The attached entry form should be returned to our SGO, Stephanie Selsby (NOT ME!), sgo@ursuline.kent.sch.uk , no later than Friday 12th January 2024. Parent spectators are allowed at this event.
Attached is the entry form for the Year 1/2 Athletics taster event at The Ursuline on Tuesday 30th January 2024, 4-5.30pm. Teams of 10 (5 boys and 5 girls) will have the chance to experience a variety of indoor Sportshall Athletics activities. There is a limit of 12 schools for this event and entry forms should be returned to our SGO, Stephanie Selsby (NOT ME!), sgo@ursuline.kent.sch.uk , no earlier than 7.30am on Friday 5th January 2024. Entries close at midnight on Tuesday 16th January 2024. Please note that parent spectators are not permitted at this event.
This is another new addition to our list of sports. The Taster session will take place at Thanet Indoor Bowls Centre in Cliftonville on Wednesday 31st January, 4-5.30pm. This event is in preparation for the Bowls Tournament on Wednesday 28th February 2024. The Taster event can accommodate up to 16 teams and schools may enter more than one team, although final numbers will only be confirmed after the closing date. Please return the attached entry form to me, garybcrees@gmail.com , no earlier than 7.30am on Friday 5th January 2024. The closing date for entries is Friday 12th January 2024. Parents are allowed to watch this event but must not go on to the rinks.
This is a yet another new addition to our calendar this year, which will take place indoors at Upton Junior School on Friday 2nd February 2024, 9.30-11am for Years 3/4 and 1.00-2.30pm for Years 5/6. An entry form with further details is attached, which should be returned to Callum Noble, callum.noble@uptonjunior.com , NOT ME! There is a limit of 8 teams per session, which will be allocated on a first come, first served basis from 7.30am on Friday 5th January 2024. The closing date for entries is Friday 12th January 2024. Parents are not permitted at this event.
Gavid Vickers from Infinity Tennis has asked me to pass on the following message, which I am sure will be of great interest to you all:-
I hope this message finds you well. Today, I'm reaching out with a heartfelt appeal that goes beyond the bounds of our regular community activities. We're excited to launch the "Sponsor a Child" tennis campaign, a cause very close to our hearts, and we need your support to make it a resounding success.
For some time now, our community has been instrumental in providing short-term tennis courses for children "Reconnect" and adults "Rusty Rackets". These programs have opened doors for many to explore and enjoy tennis, a sport we all cherish. However, a challenging reality persists: many children, especially those we strive to impact the most, find themselves unable to continue playing after these initial courses. This situation often feels like a tease—introducing them to a sport they grow to love, only to have it slip away due to financial constraints. We aim to change this narrative.
Our "Sponsor a Child" program is our answer to this issue. We're seeking your support in two significant ways:
1. Donate to Our Crowdfunding Campaign: Every contribution brings us closer to our goal.
2. Engage Local Businesses for Sponsorship: Encourage local businesses to sponsor a child's tennis journey.
Our objective is bold yet achievable: to offer a free slot in our tennis program to a deserving child on free school meals in each school across our communities. The schools will select the most deserving children, and we will utilize funds from Net Gain CIC to cover their program expenses. Each donation will include a tennis racket (courtesy of Infinity Tennis) and cover lesson costs for an entire year.
This initiative is more than just about tennis; it's about providing sustained access to a sport that can truly be a game-changer in young lives. As someone who once relied on free school meals after a family tragedy, I personally understand the transformative impact of tennis. It's a lifeline, a source of joy and growth, and we want to extend this opportunity to children from underprivileged backgrounds.
To kickstart this campaign, Infinity Tennis is generously donating 5 spaces worth £2,000. This is just the beginning, and with your help, we can reach and even surpass our goals.
Thank you for considering supporting Net Gain CIC and Infinity Tennis in this noble endeavor. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of children in our community. Let's turn tennis into a long-term opportunity for those who need it most.
Best wishes
Gavid
And finally, before the Sportshall Athletics events last term we found that a set of foam javelins has gone missing. If any school borrowed them to prepare for the event and still has them in their possession could you please let myself or Stephanie know.
Best Wishes
Gary Rees
Chairman & Administrator
Thanet Primary Association for School Sport
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