Hi °C | Lo °C Your article of March 30, entitled 'This woman says play is the simple solution to our complex problems. Is this another example of quango speak?' contains a number of inaccuracies which misrepresent PlayBoard NI and distorts the message contained within our Play manifesto.
Your headline refers to PlayBoard NI as a quango - this is incorrect.
PlayBoard NI is a registered charity devoted to the promotion of children and young people's play in Northern Ireland.
PlayBoard NI was established in 1985 by a group of committed individuals who recognised the benefits of play, and the need for focused action to ensure that children had access to quality play within their communities.
Successive studies have highlighted play's contribution to social, physical, intellectual, creative and emotional development.
Since 1985 we have supported communities across Northern Ireland to develop positive play opportunities. We have supported children and young people through play projects and provided support to community and voluntary organisations.
Your article suggests that PlayBoard NI would seek to diminish the role of parents within play, transferring power to a government department. This could not be further from the truth. The central role of parents in supporting play is incontrovertible.
Our manifesto sets out five key tasks of government. We would encourage your readers to consider these by accessing it at www.playboard.org
JACQUELINE O'LOUGHLIN
Chief executive
PlayBoard NI
