Andrew Mathieson
A SINGLE dad is inviting hundreds of parents and their children to celebrate with him on Father’s Day.
St Albans Park’s Mark Schreuder plans to single-handedly bring back egg and spoon, piggy back and three-legged races to get dads off the couch on Sunday.
The founder of the new Father’s Day event hopes to draw 50 families for the activities along with a barbecue, temporary tattoos and giveaways.
He also plans fun games of footy, soccer, touch rugby, netball and cricket to pit dads against kids.
Mr Schreuder was motivated to initiate the event after noticing neighbourhood children shared his sense of fun.
“I’m just trying to get the dads off their backsides and the kids off the computers to play the old games that we used to have fun playing together.”
Father’s Day had special meaning for Mr Schreuder. The 39-year-old said he shared custody of his children 11 days a month, including three weekends out of every four.
Time spent together was filled with trips away to the snow or water-skiing when camping at Echuca, he said.
“I want to make the most of the time with them and make sure they walk away saying that was the best day they have ever had in their life.”
Mr Schreuder said his Father’s Day activities would run from 10am to 2pm at Aldershot Reserve, St Albans Park.
Anyone wanting more information could phone him on 0406 116 968, he said.