Young people will have a ball learning about the importance of staying hydrated and choosing water over sugary drinks, thanks to a new sporting partnership between Northumbrian Water and MFC Foundation.
Powered by Water is a new interactive educational workshop that will be delivered to thousands of students over the next year, as part of MFC Foundation′s health and wellbeing programme in primary schools.
Pupils at Ings Farm Primary School, Redcar are the latest to take part in the programme led by coaches from MFC Foundation.
Foundation coach Matthew Jenkinson and youth players Nathan Dale and Nicholas Hood were on hand to help with the activity.
The Powered by Water workshop is designed to help children learn the importance of drinking water to keep them healthy and hydrated, through a series of fun games and activities. Staying topped up with water throughout the day keeps your brain healthy, helps you think clearly, improves your mood and stops you from getting tired.
Powered by Water also teaches children the importance of choosing water over fizzy drinks and certain fruit juices, which can contain high amounts of sugar. Too much sugar is bad for your teeth, makes you feel tired and can lead to more serious health problems later in life.
Judith Huffee, External Communications Consultant for Northumbrian Water said: "MFC Foundation do some terrific work with young people emphasising the benefits of physical activity and we′re really proud to join up with them.
"It′s really important that young people learn how important it is to stay hydrated, as it will assist their development, keep them healthy and give them a boost both when playing sport and working hard in the classroom.
"We hope that teaching children the importance of drinking water, through the Powered by Water programme, will help them to stay healthy, hydrated and active throughout their lives."
Paul South, MFC Foundation′s Health Coordinator stated: "We′re delighted to be partnering up with Northumbrian Water through the Powered by Water programme. The initiative will see us deliver a targeted workshop in conjunction with our Move & Learn programme at schools around the Middlesbrough, Stockton and Redcar areas.
"The programme will demonstrate the direct benefits drinking water can have on our bodies, and also give the children an opportunity to appreciate the value of having access to a quality water source."
This work comes as part of our fantastic new Refill campaign which encourages people to ditch single use water bottles and use a refillable bottle instead.
Refill is all about reducing the amount of plastic waste that is produced in the North East, helping protect our plant and encouraging people to drink our clean, clear and great tasting tap water.
To find out more information go to http://www.refill.org.uk/ or download the Refill app today. #RefillNorthEast
Powered by Water facts:
• Powered by Water will be delivered to over 19,000 young people in the north east in conjunction with four sporting partners; Sunderland FOL, Newcastle Eagles, Mowden Park Rugby and Middlesbrough FC Foundation.
• Our bodies are made up of 60% water
• Tap water is just as good as bottled water. The UK has one of the best quality tap waters in the world
• We′re still using the same water as the dinosaurs, Victorians and cave people
• You can check your wee to see if you′re drinking enough water - dark yellow wee means you need to drink more!
• You get water through the food you eat as well
• It′s better to drink little sips of water throughout exercise rather than a big gulp
• 70% of the planet is water but only 3% of that is available to drink
• If you feel tired or have a headache, it could mean you need to drink more water!