More than 100 cared-for children were treated to a day of inspiration and excitement this weekend at King George’s Playing Fields in Brentwood.
The event, organised by leisure operator Everyone Active, brought together Olympic sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, local fostering ambassador Debbie Bright, and former world javelin champion Fatima Whitbread MBE to champion the importance of physical activity and community engagement for cared-for children and young people.
The star-studded gathering on Saturday 5 October, welcomed children aged six months to 17 years, offering a safe space for socialising and physical activities.
The event featured the popular TAGActive obstacle course, a soft play area for younger attendees, a sensory room and face painting, catering to all ages and abilities.
Everyone Active Ambassador, Olympic sprinter and BBC TV star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, whose parents are now foster carers, emphasised the significance of such events.
“It’s amazing to see Everyone Active putting on these events – they give children the chance to have fun and be part of something special. Keeping active is so important for children’s physical and mental wellbeing and hopefully days like this will make a lasting impact and inspire them to embrace an active lifestyle.”
Debbie Bright, a local veteran foster carer who has opened her home to over 200 children in the past three decades, echoed this sentiment. “These events offer much more than just entertainment. They provide children in care with opportunities to connect with others, try new experiences and simply enjoy being kids.”
Former world champion javelin thrower and Olympic medallist Fatima Whitbread, who grew up in care herself, attended the event representing her own initiative, Fatima’s UK Campaign, which seeks to help care experienced children have a better start in life.
As the event concluded, both carers and participants praised its impact. One foster carer said: “It’s incredible for the kids to be part of something like this. They’re trying new activities and having a great time – it really brings everyone together in a positive way.”
One young attendee shared their excitement: “TAGActive was my favourite! It was so much fun to play with my friends, and the food was great too. I hope there’s another event soon!”
Everyone Active manages King George’s Playing Fields in partnership with Brentwood Borough Council, and the event is part of the leisure operator’s broader commitment to supporting cared-for children.
Everyone Active offers a free membership programme that provides cared-for and care-experienced individuals up to age 25 with access to gym facilities, swimming pools, and group activities at centres across the UK.
This initiative aims to break down barriers that may prevent children and young people from engaging in sports and physical activities.
Speaking about the significance of free leisure memberships for foster children and their families, Fatima Whitbread said: “Sport teaches life skills and good for their wellbeing and health. It helps integrate the children and families into the local community so they feel included, helping to build confidence and self-esteem.”
Shaun Beagle, Area Contract Manager for Everyone Active, said: “We really believe in the power of physical activity to transform lives. This event is just one part of our broader initiative to provide free access to our facilities for cared-for children. We’re committed to breaking down barriers and ensuring that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle.”
According to figures from the Department for Education, the number of children in care in England has reached an all-time high, with more than 80,000 children – or one in every 140 – currently in the care system.
Everyone Active’s free membership programme, accessible through referrals from local Council Family support teams, seeks to address this growing need by providing these children with opportunities for physical activity and social engagement.