Continued support helps young sport stars compete

Updated: 01 May 2024

Reading Oddfellows has donated £2,000 to ensure young people in the Whitley area of the town can take part in sporting competitions.

Proud to support sport

Staff and pupils from the town’s Geoffrey Field Junior School received the cheque from Reading Oddfellows’ Chairman, Marilyn Hayward, at the group’s hall on Oxford Road on Thursday 25 April.

The money will be put towards transporting pupils to and from the Whitley Excellence Cluster (WEC) inter-sports School Olympics, a competition between eight local primary schools which will be held at Palmer Park Stadium on Thursday 27 June.

Geoffrey Field Junior School pupils and Marilyn Hayward

Marilyn said: “I’m extremely proud that we’re able to support young people to take part in sports competitions and really get the most out of their time at primary school.

“Not only will this donation help pupils have fun while keep physically fit, but the principles of sporting competition such as teamwork, fairness and sportsmanship, are valuable lessons for later in life.”

Reading Oddfellows has provided similar donations to Whitley primary schools over the last two years which has already helped to engage more than 1,000 children in inter-school sporting competitions, according to Dave Marks, Deputy Head at Geoffrey Field Junior School.

The funding has also given pupils the chance to compete at sporting venues such as the Palmer Park athletics stadium where over 120 Whitley primary school pupils competed in front of a packed grandstand last summer. 

...a shining example of community collaboration and support. Dave Marks

Dave, who accompanied the students to collect the donation, said: “Reading Oddfellows has significantly enhanced the lives of Whitley school pupils by generously sponsoring our inter-school sports competitions. Their support has been vital in overcoming the barrier of transportation to these events and paying for venues and sports coaches.

“Previously, many students faced challenges in participating, however, thanks to the Oddfellows' sponsorship we've witnessed a significant increase in engagement from children across Whitley primary schools.

Pupils have had the opportunity to use top sports facilities due to Reading Oddfellows donations

“This newfound accessibility has not only fostered a deeper sense of camaraderie and healthy competition but has also provided invaluable opportunities for personal growth and development.

“The sporting partnership between Whitley schools and the Oddfellows has enriched the lives of young learners through sports and serves as a shining example of community collaboration and support.”

More on the Oddfellows

Reading Oddfellows, which is made up of just over 1,000 mostly older and retired members, is one of 99 Oddfellows branches nationwide which make up one of the oldest and largest friendly societies in the UK. Our aim is to improve people’s lives through friendship, support and charity.

As well as its charitable giving, the group hosts a wide range of accessible and affordable events which are open to all, and its members can access a range of benefits, including care and welfare support and a travel club.

To find out more about Reading Oddfellows contact Nicky Jex emailing readingdistrict@oddfellows.co.uk or calling 0118 9573 354. 

If you're based elsewhere in the UK you can discover your nearest branch using our Branch Finder, and to find out what events are being held close to you use our Events Finder.

If would like to find out more about the Oddfellows, or would like to request a free information pack and events diary, contact us.