Community event brings together 50 families for games, laughter, and cultural connection in a joyful outdoor celebration
Reading, MA –The Reading Chinese Storytime Association, founded in May 2024, hosted its first family sports day this past Saturday at Memorial Park. The event drew around 50 families, many of whom regularly attend the group’s weekly Mandarin storytime at the Reading Public Library.
Most of the children in the group are between two and five years old, and the weekly storytime has become a warm and welcoming gathering for families with Chinese backgrounds, as well as multicultural families. The group’s goal is to create opportunities for young children to be exposed to Mandarin in a fun and engaging environment, while also connecting families through shared language and culture.
In the past year, the group has held storytime sessions nearly every Saturday and has even co-hosted a Chinese New Year celebration with the library staff, introducing traditional crafts and stories to the broader Reading community.
Saturday’s event was the group’s first outdoor gathering. Families enjoyed a mix of carnival-style games and group activities. In the free-play area, children lined up for mini basketball toss, ring toss, and other classic yard games. Each game earned them a sticker, which they could later exchange for small prizes—an easy way to keep things light and fun.
Group events included a parent-child relay, a sack race, and a lively round of tug-of-war. It was especially heartwarming to see toddlers and preschoolers running alongside their parents in the relays—some just learning how to balance, others racing confidently ahead. The tug-of-war drew the biggest cheers. Dads took the first round, digging in with full force, followed by the kids who threw themselves into the challenge with all their might. Many were playing for the first time and quickly learned what it means to work as a team and give it your all.
At the end of the event, our sponsors awarded prizes to the top three winners, while every child who participated received a small gift to take home.
This first attempt at an outdoor event was a success, thanks to the help of dedicated volunteers and enthusiastic families. The group plans to continue hosting both indoor and outdoor activities in the months ahead.
The Reading Chinese Storytime Association welcomes new families to join the weekly Saturday sessions at the Reading Public Library. All are welcome, regardless of background or language level.
