Stay and Play programme learns lessons from Covid-19

The GSLA’s Stay and Play Programme has provided some semblance of normality for the children, with lessons learnt from Covid-19 to be implemented in the future.

The six week programme finished last week and to adhere to Covid-19 guidelines changes had to be made.

But the new model has “worked so well that it will now be the default option when considering future programmes, even in more normal environments,” the Gibraltar Government said in a statement.

Some 26 children were enrolled on the programme and have taken part in a whole range of activities which have taken place over four different sites namely: Bayside Sports Complex Boathouse Activity Centre, GSLA Accessible Pool, Alameda Gardens, Commonwealth Park and Kings’ Bastion Leisure Centre.

“Amidst the abnormality the GSLA Team has managed to deliver an amazing programme this year,” the Minister for Sport Steven Linares said.

“This does not detract from the success of previous editions but given the challenges faced this summer the feat cannot be underestimated.”

Mr Linares added a video to the Stay and Play programme had been commissioned from WrightTech.

“The genuine look of happiness on the faces of the children is proof enough of what the programme gives them,” Mr Linares said.

“Likewise the expressions of the leaders and staff are a clear indication of the genuine care and affection that this environment provides to this vulnerable cross section of the community.”

“As always the Stay and Play Programme has only been possible with the collaboration of several entities.”

He thanked the teams at King’s Bastion Leisure Centre, the Alameda Gardens and Commonwealth Park as well as the Care Agency and Gibraltar Health Authority, Meddoc Healthcare and We Care.

“All without whose help this would not have been possible,” he said.

“Finally, I would like to publicly give a special thanks to the Stay and Play Leaders and the GSLA Team.”

“They have been the unsung heroes of the whole 2020 Stay and Play programme. They do not need me to remind them of how crucial their role has been but they should be extremely proud of what they have achieved.”