Fun time on a Rainey Day

Families across Knowsley are being invited to attend the fourth annual Rainey Day event at King George V Sport Complex in Huyton, on Sunday 27 June 2010.

Rainey Day is a family fun day, organised in memory of John Rainey – a former Knowsley Council employee and a champion of the rights of disabled people.

The event is free to attend, and will run from 11am through to 3pm.

The activities will include music, dancing, football and volleyball coaching from Everton in the Community, wheelchair basketball and boccia – a fast paced wheelchair sport.

There will also be a climbing wall, face painting and balloon modelling, and entertainment will be provided by partially sighted singer songwriter Andrew Coleman and Street Feet.

There will be stalls representing local agencies to promote their services too, especially those for disabled people.

British Sign Language interpreters will be available on the day.

Leader of Knowsley Council, Cllr Ron Round, said: “Rainey Day is a fantastic summer event, and the activities mean that there is something for every family.

“It gives people an opportunity to see some of the fantastic sports and activities which are available to disabled people in the borough.

“When everyone joins in the same games it highlights how much people have in common, regardless of their abilities.

“It is great that the event carries the name of John Rainey too.

“He worked tirelessly to improve the rights and opportunities of disabled people, and would be excited to see such a fantastic event taking place in Knowsley.”

One of the highlights of the day will be the release of 500 balloons, as part of a competition to see which one can travel the furthest. The winner will receive high street vouchers.

Last year’s balloon release was won by Tony Pickavance from Kirkby, whose balloon travelled 139 miles before it landed in Grimsby.

RaineyDay2009.jpg – two children enjoy the activities at last year’s event