Two Lake Mac sports centres will be transformed into a rainbow of colour as part of Youth Week 2022.
‘Colour run’ events aimed at under-18s are scheduled for Saturday 9 April and Thursday 14 April at Morisset and Windale PCYC centres.
Morisset PCYC Manager Sarah Lenton said young people had been integral to organising the event, down to how it was run and what obstacles were included.
“It’s a day of pure fun and attendees will have to weave their way through an obstacle course which involves tyre hopping, a slip ‘n’ slide, sprinkler and star jump station,” she said.
“Supervisors will spray attendees with different powders at each obstacle before everyone has a full-blown colour fight.”
The event is in line with this year’s theme, ‘It’s up to YOU’th’ – directing young locals to take control and be more together than ever.
Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Community Partnerships Andrew Bryant said Youth Week events allowed attendees to express their views.
“Youth Week is an opportunity for young people to share ideas, attend live events, have their voices heard on issues of concern to them, showcase talents and celebrate their contribution to community,” he said.
“But most importantly, it’s about having fun.”
The free colour runs are just two of many events happening this Youth Week – a state-wide tradition spanning more than three decades.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser encouraged Lake Mac residents aged 12-24 to attend celebrations, which also include a youth leadership forum and mental health workshops delivered by mental health foundation, Headspace.
“We know the hardships COVID-19 brought over the past two years have had an impact on young people,” Cr Kay Fraser said.
“Community events like this help build social bonds and allow young people to develop leadership qualities which may have diminished due to long periods in isolation.”
Other events include a youth artisan marketplace at Cameron Park, team building workshops at Doyalson and an arts, music and sports festival hosted by Northlakes Youth Service.
Youth Week runs 4-14 April.
All events have been jointly funded by Council and the New South Wales Government.
