Primary 7 pupils from four local primary schools joined PlayBoard NI, the lead organisation for the development and promotion of children’s play, to mark the International Day of Play at a celebration event on 11 June.

Special guest at the International Day of Play celebration event, the Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Cllr Mary O’Dowd, joined Angela Stallard of PlayBoard, Carol Scullion of OUR Generation, and children from four local primary schools.

Children from Poyntzpass Primary School, St Joseph’s and St James’s Primary School, St Laurence O’Tooles Primary School, and Mullaglass Primary School came together to celebrate their participation in PlayBoard’s Spaces to Be programme.

Spaces to Be is delivered as part of OUR Generation, a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive. The programme promotes play as a way of building childhood resilience, supporting emotional well-being, and building positive cross-community relationships.

Held at Armagh Palace Stables, the outdoor event gave children the opportunity to explore, create and play through a range of activities including loose parts play, arts and crafts, den building, and sensory play.

The Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Councillor Mary O’Dowd, attended the event and heard first-hand about the positive impact the programme has had on local children and young people.

Now in its third year, the International Day of Play was established by the United Nations to champion and protect the child’s right to play, as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (Article 31). The day highlights the importance of play in supporting children’s health, development, well-being and happiness.

Alan Herron, CEO of PlayBoard NI said:

“We’re delighted to celebrate the impact of our Spaces to Be programme on the International Day of Play. Through play, children build resilience, confidence and coping skills that support positive mental health and well-being. Spaces to Be also provides valuable opportunities for children from different backgrounds to come together through play, helping to build positive cross-community relations within our communities.”

Carol Scullion, OUR Generation Project Manager said:

“It’s fantastic to see PlayBoard NI bringing children together through play, as part of the OUR Generation Project. Through their Spaces to Be Programme, they do outstanding work in supporting children’s well-being and creating opportunities for connection and learning. Events like this are a wonderful way to mark International Day of Play, as a cross-community celebration that helps build friendships, understanding and shared experiences.”

PlayBoard’s Spaces to Be programme is open to schools, childcare settings and community groups working with children aged 9 to 11 across Northern Ireland and the border counties of the Republic of Ireland.

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