Kite festival inspires wonder

PERFECT weather greeted the thousands of people who flocked to Geelong’s Rippleside Park last Sunday for the Kids+ annual Kite Festival.

The fundraiser to help the organisation put on its programs for families across the greater Geelong region saw all kites sold out on the day with proceeds going to Kids Plus Foundation.

“Everything lined up for us…the weather, the wind,” the organisations Sharon Gibbons said.

Designed to bring people of all abilities together for a fun, accessible and inclusive day of kite flying and social interaction, Ms Gibbons said this year’s attendance of at least 1,000 people created an “incredible buzz” and was large increase on the 2021 figure of 250.

“We know that the interests of people with disability will only advance when the broader community supports inclusion and participation.”

Alongside community kite flyers, attendees were treated to a giant aerial kite flying display by Flash Mob Kite Flyers, music, locally-sourced food and face painting.

Former Cats and Crows player Josh Jenkins was also among the crowd with his family.

The Geelong-based Kids Plus Foundation has provided paediatric allied health therapy and support services to the region for 19 years, supporting young people and their families from birth through to young adulthood.