Walk to School 2017

Published on 03 August 2017

Kerang South Primary School Walk to School 2016.jpg

Local children and families will be encouraged to get active this October by taking part in the VicHealth Walk to School program.

Gannawarra Shire Council will work with local primary schools and health agencies to deliver a range of activities encouraging more families to walk, ride or scoot to school, or the school bus, this October thanks to $10,000 grant from VicHealth.

Mayor Brian Gibson said that this will be the fifth year Council has coordinated this successful program.

“Walking, riding or scooting to school is a free, easy and fun way for children to get active and learn more about the world around them.”

“Getting actively to school also builds confidence and independence and allows children to practice the road safety lessons of Stop, Look, Listen, Think that they learn at school and out in the wider community.”

All ten local primary schools are again registered to participate, consisting of 780 children.

“Council is delighted to be part of this important statewide program and looks forward to developing an exciting program of activities with local primary schools for the month of October,” said Mayor Gibson.

“We love seeing families walking, scooting or riding in Gannawarra to help local kids get active and build healthy habits, confidence and friendships, and it is always a fun filled month with lots of laughter.”

VicHealth CEO Jerril Rechter said each year the Walk to School program continues to grow with more and more schools taking part with fantastic results.

“Last year more than 144,000 kids from over 750 schools across Victoria took part in Walk to School. Together they walked more than 2.2 million kilometres – the equivalent of walking almost 55 times around the world,” Ms Rechter said.

“This year, we hope to see even more local kids getting active as they travel to and from school. If you can’t walk all the way, try parking the car a few blocks from school and walk, ride or scoot the rest of the way. Walking to school is also a great way for parents and carers to enjoy some quality time with their kids.”

An official launch of the Gannawarra VicHealth Walk to School program will be held in Leitchville on Monday September 18, 2017.

Visit www.walktoschool.vic.gov.au or www.gannawarra.vic.gov.au for more information.

For more information please contact Council on 5450 9333 or visit council’s website www.gsc.vic.gov.au

…ENDS…

 

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