Employees' Children Sports Day

Overview

A children's sports day differs from a family day in focus: here the children are the participants and the adults are accompanying them. That changes the programme design from beginning to end — stations are built to a child's scale, the coaches are chosen from people experienced with children's groups, and the day is kept short.

Where it sits in a company's calendar

This is a local programme for the site, and for most companies that run it, the reason is specific: it reaches a group of people — employees with school-age children — for whom most corporate social events are difficult to attend. It is also the event those employees remember longest. For a regional planner, it is worth knowing that 23 April, National Sovereignty and Children's Day, is a public holiday in Turkey specifically dedicated to children, and that an employer marking it is noticed.

Separating by age group is essential

The most common mistake at children's events is putting all ages at the same station. A six-year-old and a twelve-year-old will be neither safe nor happy in the same game. Groups are divided into 4-6, 7-9 and 10-13, each with its own station set and its own coach.

Station examples

• 4-6. A balance course, ball games, balloon and colour games; short and continuously guided.
• 7-9. Mini football, basketball shooting contests, an obstacle course, archery with appropriate equipment.
• 10-13. Team tournaments, a climbing wall, relay races, darts.

Safety and responsibility

Every child registered with an accompanying adult, a name and parent wristband, an enclosed area and a single entry and exit point are standard practice. A medical officer is mandatory. Parental permission and liability forms are taken at registration, and explicit separate consent is required for photography.

Calendar

23 April, the summer holidays and the mid-year break are the most suitable dates. During term time it is planned for a weekend. The day does not exceed three to four hours; in longer programmes fatigue becomes evident in the youngest group.

Benefits for companies

Frequently asked questions