THOUSANDS of free tickets are being given away to encourage Teesside schoolchildren to stay active by attending a disco night at an award-winning North East ice arena.
The new initiative at Billingham Forum Ice Arena is being launched by Tees Active, a charitable trust which manages a range of leisure venues and activities for Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.
Friday night discos have been a much-loved tradition at the ice arena for decades, and Tees Active is building on that legacy to inspire young people to try something new, stay active, and boost their fitness in a fun, social setting.
Over the next six months, every secondary school and further education college in the Stockton borough will be included, amounting to nearly 4,500 tickets being given away.
Leon Jones, Managing Director of Tees Active, said: “Young people can sometimes be harder to engage in healthy, active lifestyles, so we’re thrilled to offer an experience that’s fun, social, and inclusive. By giving schools free access to ice skating, we hope to inspire confidence, encourage fitness, and help students feel more connected to their community.
“We have great partnerships in place with our local schools, and this is another example of us working together to boost physical activity and social interaction among young people.”
Councillor Nigel Cooke, Cabinet Member for Environment, Leisure and Culture with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, added: “It’s fantastic to see Tees Active working hand in hand with local schools to give young people new opportunities to get active and socialise. Billingham Forum Ice Arena has been at the heart of our community for decades, and initiatives like this help ensure it continues to bring people together and make a positive impact.”
Schools have already responded positively to the initiative, with St Michael’s Catholic Academy, in Billingham, the first to take up the offer.
Clare Humble, Head Teacher at St Michael’s, said: “We were thrilled to lead the way on this fantastic initiative. It gave our pupils the chance to step out of the classroom and enjoy time together in a safe and supportive environment. It’s brilliant to see them laughing, learning, and making memories along the way!”
The allocation of free tickets can be used by schools in any way they wish, including as rewards for achievements, attendance, and good behaviour.
For more information on Billingham Forum Ice Arena please visit https://www.forumicearena.co.uk or the school initiative at https://www.forumicearena.co.uk/pulse-school-initiative/
