Foster children in Leeds get a Rhino-sized treat

Leeds foster families and care leavers are being invited to spend the day with the stars of Leeds Rhinos at a special celebration event this weekend.

As part of Leeds City Council’s commitment to create a child friendly city, the council is offering 150 free places to foster families and care leavers, to the Leeds Rhinos celebration event on Sunday at the first direct arena.

The event has been organised in partnership between Leeds City Council, first direct arena and the Leeds Rhinos to celebrate the careers of three of the greatest players in the history of Leeds Rhinos; Kevin Sinfield, Jamie Peacock and Kylie Leuluai. It will also celebrate the incredible season that has seen the Rhinos retain the Challenge Cup and lift the League Leader’s Shield. The Rhinos also face Wigan in the Super League Grand Final on Saturday as they try to achieve the triple.

A private area at the arena has been set aside for the families to use prior to the main event and activities for the children and young people have been organised, including face painting, glitter tattoos, craft activities and a visit by Ronnie the Rhino.

This will be followed by the show in the main arena which will include Q & As with the players, videos and entertainment.

Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, executive member responsible for children and families said:

“By organising events like this, we hope to give something back to our foster carers and the children they look after. These exceptional people provide an invaluable service, giving stable and supportive homes to children in care. We have an ongoing commitment to helping them achieve the best outcomes for the children they look after, as well as recognising that they are an integral part of our city.

“This will be a lovely opportunity for them to celebrate the amazing season the Rhinos have had this year. I’m sure they’ll have a fun packed day.”

Last month a group of looked after children, care leavers and their families were able to travel to Wembley to watch the Rhinos win the Challenge Cup Final thanks to the Leeds Rhinos Foundation. The foundation was awarded the Best Overall Contributor in the Child Friendly Leeds awards earlier this year for their commitment to helping improve the lives of young people across the city.