A pupil from Cwmcarn Primary School has met the brand-new Caerphilly Play Panda after her winning competition design was brought to life as the service’s official mascot.
Earlier this year, Madeleine Simmonds-Dickens won Caerphilly Play’s mascot competition, with her colourful panda design chosen from entries submitted by primary school pupils from across the county borough. Her artwork has now been transformed into a full-sized mascot, which will appear at events and activities to promote the importance of play and encourage families to enjoy free play opportunities across Caerphilly.
The mascot made its debut during a special visit to Cwmcarn Primary School, where Madeleine met the Caerphilly Play Panda for the very first time. As part of the winning prize, the school also received £500 worth of play equipment.
Children and families will now have the chance to give the mascot its official name by entering a competition during the National Play Day celebration at Morgan Jones Park on Wednesday 5th August. The event forms part of the wider Play in the Park programme, which takes place at parks across the county borough throughout the summer holidays.
Cllr Carol Andrews, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Communities and Transformation, and Caerphilly’s Play Champion, said:
“It’s wonderful to see Madeleine’s winning design brought to life. I’m sure the Caerphilly Play Panda will become a favourite at our play events, and I can’t wait to see the creative names children come up with at our National Play Day celebration.”
The winning name will be announced after the summer holidays, with the Caerphilly Play Panda set to become a familiar face at Play in the Park sessions, community events and future Caerphilly Play activities across the county borough.
