Date: 09/08/2011 Author: Stranraer YMCA
Stranraer YMCA received a special visit today from the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Mike Russell, in recognition of the work their Play Rangers are doing with the communities of Stranraer and the surrounding villages.
The visit was part of the Scottish Government's summer tour, with the Cabinet Secretary keen to see first-hand the work the YMCA Play Rangers have been doing in getting young people out playing in their community.
The Play Rangers encourage children to play actively outdoors, playing together and trying new things. Activities include; tree climbing, den building, team games, treasure hunts, tig, rounder's and many more.
Kerry Monteith, YMCA Stranraer Chairperson commented:
"We were delighted that the Cabinet Secretary for Education decided to visit the YMCA. The Play Rangers are part of the Y Play project which we set up last year with Funding from the Go Play Programme and has gone from strength to strength.
We are passionate about getting young people outside and playing in their local communities. Before we started this project parents were scared to let their kids play outside. What we do is offer a safe environment where Kids can play freely, helping them to grow up into confident and happy adults."
The Project has been so successful, after only one year, they have been to work closely with Park School, operating special sessions for the school in the school.
Quote from a young person:
"YMCA is great, before it was here there was nothing to do, now we are outside all the time having fun with Glenda, Fiona and Rachael"