Over 2000 youngsters attend Battersea’s ‘Sport in the Park’ funded by QVC

7 August 2006: Battersea Summer Scheme’s ‘Sport in the Park’ - which ran from 1 - 4 August - proved a huge success, attracting over 2,000 children from the local area. Kids took part in a range of activities such as athletics, archery, judo, African drums and dance and 5-a-side football training with Chelsea Football Club coaches. 

This year, locally-based television shopping channel, QVC, presented Battersea Summer Scheme with a cheque for £12,000 in support of the event. The money is a combination of employee fund raising and a generous donation from the company.

Gene Cleckley, Community Affairs Manager at QVC said, “The Battersea Summer Scheme gets bigger and better each year and QVC is proud to support this fantastic event. The Fun Week plays a crucial role in the local community during the holidays because many disadvantaged young people in and around Battersea don’t always have the same opportunities as those elsewhere. These four days in the park give local kids the chance to get active, try something new and have some fun.”

Various other bodies with the Battersea Summer Scheme include: Battersea Crime Prevention Panel, Sports Match, the Emergency services, the Army and Wastewatch. They all donated their time and resources, offering careers advice along with inspiring and entertaining activities.

Martin Stratton, Chairman of Battersea Crime Prevention Panel said, “We are so lucky to live and work in the wonderful surroundings of Battersea but there are many on our doorstep living in some of the most deprived conditions in London. Young people in these areas are exposed to crime, drugs and low expectations, with high levels of teenage pregnancy and unemployment.”

“We aim to give these young people an opportunity to help realise their potential and the Summer Scheme is one way of providing activities in the summer holidays. Over the years, QVC has raised tens of thousands of pounds for the Summer Scheme and we are extremely grateful for this support”