FREE Equipment Packs
When Covid-19 hit, and the world stopped……. things changed, we changed! Instead of bringing activities to you, we sent equipment to you!
Through funding received from Sport England, We Are Rise North East and County Durham Sport we designed, purchased, and delivered SMILE activity packs to families across Durham, Northumberland, and Tyne & Wear. We posted and hand delivered over 400 free equipment packs to keep children, young people, and families with a disability active in their homes!
The SMILE activity packs were made up of bean bags, cones, mini basketballs, beach balls, skipping ropes, floor markers, hoops, and a booklet full of games and activities to use with the equipment. Everything you would need to start, stay and be active at home.
Being physically active is vitally important for both people’s physical and mental wellbeing, even more so during the Covid lockdowns. When so many families were shielding and unable to get outside of a walk, our SMILE activity packs were a lifeline. The packs enabled so many households to remain active or to become active, it brought fun and laughter in a difficult period. Families could use the equipment and do physical activity in their living rooms, kitchens, and gardens!
Here is what some of our families had to say about the SMILE activity packs….
“Our bronze pack of sporting equipment has gone down a treat in all weathers. The bean bags my son loved them on his head playing catch, they were definitely the best bit by far, with my self-shielding we played a lot in the garden and in the house when it was wet, even the cat joined in!”
“The bean bags, definitely a favourite, as well as the ball. We’ve played all sorts with them. Have to say the booklet was worth it without the equipment, giving ideas. Just what’s needed.”
“My son has been playing constantly with his Bronze sports pack since it arrived – the green ball is in use daily for a whole host of games that he has created. Thank you very much for the Bronze pack – it has been very well appreciated.”