Yesterday saw the annual Junior Rovers Christmas Party take part: with a twist. This year saw us link up with Rovers in the Community and their All Sports Week activities, and providing a party with a difference.
Over 30 children arrived for a 9:00am start, which started with a brisk walk through the snow to The Dome, where they took to the ice to show off their skating skills. Once back at the Keepmoat, they were entertained by the Community staff with some fun games. A further 120 Junior Rovers and parents joined us, as the afternoon party got underway at 1:00pm. The hungry ice skaters were fed first with hot dogs and chips, which went down a treat after a hard morning on the rink. The afternoon party-goers were then split up, with some having lunch first, and some going up onto the concourse to try their hand (or feet should I say) at the inflatable speed kick challenge.
Some very special guests also came along to the party, with Sean O'Driscoll and Richard O'Kelly bringing the full first team along to meet all the Junior Rovers and their parents.
After lots of autographs and cameras clicking away, the players made their way home, only to be followed by yet another very special guest. A Christmas party just wouldn't be a Christmas party without Santa Claus and he kindly made time in his busy schedule to pop in and wish everyone a happy Christmas, and hand presents out to all the children, although parking his sleigh on the ice outside West Reception did prove a little tricky.
After a big group photo, Santa bid a fond farewell, promising to return on Christmas Eve if everyone had been good. And that was it for another year! Lots of fun was had by all, and there was a lot of smiling faces as everyone said their goodbyes.
Special thanks to Sean, Richard, Mickey and the team for coming along at this busy time, Rovers in the Community for their help, Tini Wini Entertainments for providing the speed kick challenge, EMC for the food and not forgetting Santa.
See you all next year.
Merry Christmas!
Ho Ho Ho
