Family Fun Day 2024: Official Event Report by Oreva Onibere
Introduction
On 01 September 2024, the Love Assembly Community Centre hosted the much-anticipated Family Fun Day 2024. This event aimed at fostering community spirit, providing entertainment for all ages, and creating lasting memories for the attendees. The attendance of over 150 participants was recorded and the event featured a range of activities designed to promote teamwork, inclusivity, and enjoyment. This report provides an account of the event, outlining the schedule, activities, participant feedback, and overall outcomes.
Event Overview
Event Duration: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Venue: Love Assembly Community Centre
Participants: 150+ individuals, comprising children, teenagers, and adults
The event commenced at 11:00 AM with an hour-long church service, followed by structured activities that included team-based competitions, a communal BBQ lunch, and an awards ceremony. Attendees were divided into four teams – France, Italy, Germany, and Spain – to encourage friendly competition throughout the day.
Highlights of the Day
Following the service, participants were greeted by the event organisers and volunteers, who provided a brief overview of the day’s schedule. At this point, participants were also registered and assigned teams – each being a different country – for the Olympic-themed Family Fun Day to be completed accordingly. Each participant was to compete in their age groups/categories and obtain points that counted towards their overall “country’s” total.
Opening Dance Showcase
We were treated with a 10-minute grand opening of the Family Fun Day by a dynamic dance performance from the Emerald Elite Dancers, a community project created by the youngest intern, 11-year-old Dabira Adegbola, whose idea was birthed to keep people of all ages fit and healthy, through dancing to Christian music. This was an energetic introduction to the event, engaging the audience and setting a positive tone for the rest of the day.
Team Competitions
Participants competed in team-based, competitive and fun games/ activities. The activities were divided into stations, with teams rotating between them. The games included dodgeball tournaments, sack relay races, tug of war, and Granny’s footsteps, otherwise known as red light, green light.
BBQ Lunch and Bake Sale (3:00 PM – 4:30PM)
The smoky barbecue smell was inviting and after a morning of spirited competition, participants enjoyed a communal BBQ lunch, accompanied by a bake sale. The BBQ featured a variety of grilled foods, while the bake sale offered an array of homemade desserts, all contributed by “Crafty Chatter” participants, and community members.
Awards Ceremony:
The event concluded with an awards ceremony for all participants, everyone received medals, and the top-performing teams received Trophies; with Team Spain taking the overall title for the day.
Something else, introduced this year, in the spirit of the Olympic-themed Family Fun Day, was the Olympian Awards, awarded to the best male and female in each age category. A special well done to:
Noah and Nara: Walking age to five years old (Group A)
Ara and Natalia: Ages 6 to 10 (Group B)
Ovo and Jewel: Ages 11 to 17 (Group C)
Ese and Grandma Adekanmbi: Ages 18+ (Group D)
Team Competitions and Scoring
Team Allocation:
Spain, Italy, France, Germany
Scoring System for each age category:
– 1st Place: 10 Points
– 2nd Place: 5 Points
– 3rd Place: 3 Points
– 4th Place: 1 Point
Final Team Scores:
– Team Spain: (Overall Winner)
– Team France: 2nd Place
– Team Italy: 3rd Place
– Team Germany: 4th Place
Participant Feedback
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their appreciation for the food of course, well-organised activities, the inclusive nature of the games, and the opportunity to connect with other community members.
Volunteer and Community Involvement
The success of Family Fun Day 2024 was largely due to the dedication and hard work of interns and our volunteers and the generous support of the Church community. Every contribution is invaluable in ensuring that the event went smoothly and was a memorable experience for all attendees.
Special recognition is given to:
Pastor Fola Olaoye, Mrs Nkem Ayo-Bamisile, Mrs Esther Franklin-Firstborn and Miss Sarah Aribo: These four were instrumental to the event’s success, by assisting with organising the Family Fun Day and the bake sale.
Mr Ayo Bamisile: Mr Bamisile oversaw the BBQ and ensured that a satisfying meal for all attendees was efficiently prepared and delivered. Thank you, Mr Bamisile.
Orezi Onibere: Orezi Onibere, another intern, whose innovation, birthed the Crafty Chatter project, a series of online lessons specialising in teaching the community how to bake, cook, and make crafts using the skills of sewing, knitting and crocheting. Crafty Chatter’s first bake sale of handmade desserts by online participants and interns raised a whopping £75 of confirmed payment in 3 hours.
Dabira Adegbola: Dabira Adegbola, the youngest intern, taught the original choreography of the opening ceremony to the recruited dancers of all ages. The recruit dancers included her mother, Mrs Ope Adegbola, both the young and adult participants and, another highlight of the dance was Dabira’s laid-back father, Mr Philip Adegbola, who showcased his dance moves. Her leadership and creativity brought a vibrant start to the event.
Much appreciation to the interns and volunteers who ensured the smooth running of the Family Fun Day – Andrew Fujamade, Dabira Adegbola, David Frederick, Janet Frederick, Jessica Bickersteth, Melissa Ekpe, Moyo Babayemi, Orezi Onibere and Shindara Adegbola.
Event Outcomes and Future Considerations
The Family Fun Day 2024 achieved its objectives of fostering community engagement, promoting physical activity, and providing an enjoyable day for families. The event’s success was reflected in the prominent levels of participation, the positive feedback received, and the strong sense of community spirit that was evident throughout the day. Thank you to everyone.
Given the positive reception of this year’s event, plans are already underway for next year’s Family Fun Day. Future considerations include expanding the range of activities, increasing volunteer involvement, and ensuring that even more members of the community participate.
Conclusion
Family Fun Day 2024 was a resounding success, bringing together community members of all ages for a day of fun, competition, and camaraderie. The event was well-attended and well-organised, and the positive feedback from participants highlights the value of such community-focused initiatives. Special thanks go to everyone who participated, volunteered, and supported the event. Although not all the aspects of the event went according to plan, I look forward to seeing this continue in the future years.
I hope to see you all again next year!
Oreva Onibere
