News from Labour Matters

Ed Balls and Linda Riordan launch Eureka! State of Play

Has the Secretary of State for Children already voted for Gordon?

Ed Balls visited Eureka! today with Linda Riordan, PPC for Halifax and launched the Eureka! independent ‘State of Play’ by casting his ballot for the head of state.

“State of Play is a great way to engage children,” Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families said. “Eureka! has been a pioneer in using play, not just for fun but also for learning. Our children love coming to Eureka! because they can just set off and play, and because every time they come there is something different for them to do. We also enjoy coming because I think it’s the same for adults.”

Ed Balls picked from the three character candidates, Orby, Scoot and Gordon the garden Gnome, his choice for leader of the Eureka! State of Play. While keeping mum about his choice, Mr. Balls did say he was “pleased to see Gordon was a candidate”. Mr Balls went on to explain the Eureka! election process to visiting children Eva, Rosa and Frankie Forbes, who went on to place their votes. Eva Forbes, aged 8, said “I voted for Scoot because we come to Eureka! often and I always like talking to Scoot”.

The Eureka! State of Play micro-nation is part of an ongoing series of events celebrating Eureka!’s 18th birthday. The State of Play is designed to engage children with some of the most important ‘grown up’ responsibilities, by letting them vote, stand as MPs and design the symbols for the micro-nation.

Leigh-Anne Stradeski, Chief Executive for Eureka! said: “A big part of the experience at Eureka! involves children in role play, working through the various activities that are part of being a grown-up. One of the most important responsibilities we have as active and engaged citizens is exercising our right to vote. Of course, finding a candidate who best reflects our viewpoint is important and we wanted to give children a chance to experience this in our Eureka! State of Play elections.”

From Thursday 15 April until Monday 3 May Eureka! visitors can cast their votes at the museum or online. They can vote for one of three candidates, each with a different platform. Orby, an alien from Planet Zid is campaigning to let children dance and play music every day. Gordon the Gnome promises that all children can have adventures at Eureka! and Scoot the robot, will ensure that visitors to Eureka! will always have something to laugh about.

The micro-nation events will culminate when the State of Play celebrates its Independence Day, 9 July 2010 in conjunction with the Eureka! 18th Birthday Party.

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