Golden Plains Shire Council encourages kids to step it up during October for Walk to School month.
Golden Plains Shire Council will work with local primary schools to encourage families to take part in this year’s Walk to School month activities throughout the shire after receiving a $10,000 grant from VicHealth.
VicHealth’s Walk to School campaign encourages primary school students across Victoria to walk to, from, or at school throughout October in a bid to get more people living happier and healthier lives.
VicHealth’s Walk to School month highlights the benefits of walking for children, such as improving fitness, friendships, their confidence and the environment. It’s free, easy and a fun way for children to get active.
KIDS – STEP UP IN OCTOBER!
Golden Plains Shire Council will coordinate local Walk to School activities during October including running workshops with schools to create videos that showcase walking and active travel initiatives, supplying fruit for schools who conduct weekly walks and providing the opportunity to participate in a walk forum.
Mayor, Cr Des Phelan, says it’s a fantastic initiative.
“Last year 12 schools within the shire participated in this great VicHealth initiative, and we encourage all local primary schools to get involved this year to make Walk to School even bigger and better.”
“We want to encourage more kids to be active to promote healthy habits and support children in achieving the recommended daily 60 minutes of physical activity to help them live healthy and happy lives.”
CELEBRATING SUCCESS
All participating schools will receive student certificates to celebrate their students’ achievements, and will be in the running for a series of prizes provided by VicHealth.”
Throughout October, schools and parents are encouraged to help children record their walks using classroom calendars or the Walk to School website.
BE PART OF SOMETHING SPECIAL
VicHealth CEO Jerril Rechter said last year’s Walk to School campaign saw a record number of students and schools participate and this year VicHealth hoped to see even more children walking, riding and scooting to school.
“Last year more than 108,000 children from 620 schools across Victoria took part in Walk to School and collectively walked more than 1.2 million kilometres, the equivalent of walking almost 32 times around the world” Ms Rechter said.
One in four children are overweight or obese. VicHealth’s Walk to School initiative is a fun, free way to get kids active and promote healthy habits they can utilise for the rest of their lives.
REGISTER TO GET INVOLVED
To register for Walk to School visit www.walktoschool.vig.gov.au.
For more information about local Walk to School activities please contact Belinda or Kim on 5342 7000 or email [email protected]
