Sporty storytime

Magic of Storytime dives into its fifth year

Junior sports clubs play a vital role in developing children, providing opportunities for physical activity, socialisation, and the development of important life skills.

With the help of some very special guests from local Junior Sports Clubs, this year’s Magic of Storytime will host a range of “sporty” readers who will share a book based on Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library themes of teamwork, communication, leadership, and goal setting, all important skills when playing sport.

Now in its fifth year, the Magic of Storytime builds on the work of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, encouraging the whole community to get behind early literacy, and improving language and literacy skills.

“It is important to get children excited about reading, inspire their imaginations and let them have fun with stories,” United Way Glenelg executive officer Nicole Carr said.

Each club will provide a short five-minute program demonstrating their sport, along with equipment for children to participate in and experience.

“Inviting the Junior Sports Clubs will be a fun and engaging way for children to develop confidence, selfesteem, and a sense of accomplishment.,”

The first Magic of Storytime will kick off at 11am on Friday, March 10, with Liz Ball (pictured), the coach from Portland Calisthenics Club, reading the book Thelma the unicorn by Aaron Blaney.

Thelma the unicorn is an ordinary pony who wishes with all her heart to be a glamorous unicorn.

Then in a rare pink and glitter-filled moment of fate, Thelma’s wish comes true. She rises to instant international stardom, but at an unexpected cost.

The book promotes themes of being true to yourself and being proud of who you are.

Children attending the event will have the opportunity to take home a copy of the book being read and make their very own unicorn horn to wear home.

The Magic of Storytime is a FREE event and runs on the first Friday of every month during school terms from 11am at Glenelg Libraries Bentinck Street, Portland.

The event is a partnership with United Way Glenelg, Portland Aluminium, and Glenelg Libraries, supporting the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

For more information on the Magic of Storytime, visit the United Way Glenelg Facebook events page (www.facebook.com// unitedwayglenelg/events) or contact Nicole Carr at 0410 513305 or [email protected]