Walking the walk for healthier children
Walking the walk for healthier children
April 24, 2008
Section: News
On Friday, May 2, 120 Towradgi Public School students will join scores of others throughout the Illawarra and walk all, or part, of the way to school with their parents or carers in an effort to get active and healthy.
The school will join 8000 others in participating in the Pedestrian Council of Australia National Walk Safely to School Day, an event that encourages parents and carers to take time out of their busy schedules and walk to school with their children.
Towradgi Public School Principal David O’Connor will be coordinating the event.
Pedestrian Council of Australia chairman Harold Scruby said Walk Safely to School Day has never been more relevant.
“With nearly one quarter of all Australian children and adolescents overweight, improving their fitness and wellbeing is a real challenge for Australian communities,” Mr Scruby said.
“Walk Safely to School Day is a fun and easy way to remind people about the benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle.
“It is also a great opportunity to learn about safe pedestrian behaviour and teach young Australians about sustainable methods of transport.”
According to the National Heart Foundation, physical activity behaviour patterns are established early in life.
There is some evidence that active children are more likely to become active adults.
According to the Australian Federal Government report, Healthy Weight 2008, more than a third of Australian children between the ages of 7-11 years old are overweight or obese.
It is predicted that by 2020, 50 per cent of young Australians will be overweight or obese.
Schools wanting further information or wishing to register for Walk Safely to School Day should visit www.walk.com.au.
