PRESS RELEASE

04 March 2007

Cherie Blair helps kids have a Sure Start

Cherie Blair took time out from enjoying the Championships to meet a group of young local children as part of the regional Sure Start programme. The children from King George V Primary School in West Bromwich enthusiastically took part in a range of running, jumping and balance exercises, cheered on by Cherie, parents and teachers.

Cherie spent over an hour with the children and finding out more about the Sure Start which, as Programme Manager Pauline Lewars explained, is about getting young children active and giving them more confidence in themselves. “We put on a range of activities for children up to the age of five focusing on their social and emotional development, health and well-being.

“We work with a range of partners, including local schools to provide support to the children and parents. The aim is to give the children ongoing encouragement to try new things which helps them feel valued and happy.”

There are five such schemes running across the Midlands, with 18 children benefiting from the West Bromwich programme.

Cherie, who is president of children’s charity Barnardo’s, said: “It is excellent to see the children enjoy themselves and getting active. This kind of activity is so good for kids – even those who won’t become athletes. It improves their hand-eye co-ordination and builds up their confidence. Everyone has a skill somewhere and these activities help the kids find what theirs is.”

Cherie then made it back to the National Indoor Arena to present Martyn Bernard with his bronze medal in the men’s high jump.