BRITISH ARMY TAKES OVER SUNDERLAND THIS APRIL

The British Army is rolling into Sunderland between 2-4 April 2020 as part of a coordinated series of free family-friendly engagement activities across the city. In conjunction with Sunderland City Council, Sunderland AFC and the club’s official charity, Foundation of Light, the British Army will host thousands of people at a number of venues across the region including the Beacon of Light, the Stadium of Light, Mowbray Park and the Washington Football Hub. The action kicks off on Thursday 2 April at the Beacon of Light as 1,000 Key Stage 3 school children take part in a range of free and interactive activities in support of World Health Day 2020. Led by serving soldiers from Royal Army Physical Training Corps, the Royal Logistic Corps and Army Medical Services, the schools event aims to highlight the importance of physical and mental health, nutrition and wellbeing, and will include physical leadership tasks, food and nutrition challenges and an introduction to first aid session. On Friday 3 April, 500 young people aged 16 to 25 from local schools, colleges and the community will enjoy a range of interactive British Army challenges in the Beacon of Light, aimed at highlighting the skills needed to be a solider. Led by soldiers from all sectors of the Army, students will take part in a series of workshops including engineering and leadership tasks with the Infantry, as well as a range of interactive and engaging presentations and talks from serving soldiers. On Saturday 4th April, the British Army will bring a vast array of fun activities, interactive challenges and military equipment to a number of venues across Sunderland, giving families the opportunity to get hands on with armoured vehicles and meet serving soldiers. The day’s activities kick-off at 11:30 as the Light Dragoons, the North East Cavalry Regiment parade through Burdon Road and into Mowbray Park. A range of British Army vehicles will be on display outside the Stadium of Light and Beacon of Light ahead of the Black Cats’ Sky Bet League One Match against Shrewsbury. Former Sunderland AFC captain Kevin Ball said “Sunderland and the surrounding areas have a rich and strong heritage and connection with the British Army. As a region we are very proud of our Armed Forces, those who serve, have served and their families. I am very much looking forward to taking part in all of the activities and showcasing our support for and partnership with of the British Army.” Lieutenant Colonel Andy Black, Army’s Head of Engagement in North East and Yorkshire from the British Army said “The British Army Interaction Days in Sunderland are set to be a fantastic three days of activity across the city, with something for everyone. If you’ve thought about a career in the Army but have no idea where to start or just want to find out more about what we do, come along and see us at any of the locations across the city and ask questions about the British Army’s role in 2020.” Jamie Wright, Foundation of Light’s Managing Director said “We are delighted to be welcoming the British Army, local schools and colleges to the Beacon of Light on 2 and 3 April for the Health and Skills days.

Educating young people on the importance of healthy lifestyles and equipping them with the right skills to gain employment and be a success, are values we share with the British Army. We are looking forward to transforming the Beacon and sharing these important messages in a unique and engaging way.

Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Michael Mordey, who is the City Armed Forces Champion, said: “Sunderland has a strong military tradition and a close relationship with our Armed Forces, and this relationship continues with young people learning more about the Forces and how they serve our country. “The British Army Interaction Days in Sunderland promise to be brilliant days, where young people can interact with serving soldiers while engaging in activities that will benefit their physical and mental health.”