Walk Safely To School Day is on May 4
From Ballina to Byron and Lismore to Tweed, primary school children, parents, teachers and councils are talking about walking as they get ready for what is expected to be the biggest Walk Safely to School Day ever, on Friday, 4 May.
Supporting the initiative is the local fitness instructor and founder of ‘Yummy Mummy Fitness’ in Ballina, Lisa Parkes. She believes encouraging kids to be active during childhood will result in them maintaining a healthy lifestyle into their adult years.
“Children are heavily influenced by their parents, carers and other role models. Taking the time to walk with your kids teaches them the importance of being active,” says Parkes.
“I encourage all Richmond-Tweed parents and carers to walk all or at least part of the way to school with their children on Friday 4 May to kickstart a healthy routine.”
The eighth annual Walk Safely to School Day is set to be the largest on record with more than 8000 primary schools from around the nation expected to participate.
On Friday 4 May, parents and carers are asked to walk safely to school with their children – either all the way or at least part of the way. Local councils, P&C groups and schools are invited to host Healthy Breakfasts.
Walk Safely to School Day aims to develop Active Kids and Healthy Kids by encouraging all Australian children to exercise regularly, including at least a 30 minute walk in their daily routine. The event also reduces hazardous traffic congestion and vehicle pollution around school gates.
Event organiser, Harold Scruby of the Pedestrian Council of Australia, says: “This event is getting bigger and better each year because it’s so easy to participate! Walking is a great way to start the day. If parents or carers can walk with children each morning, they’re also teaching positive lifestyle habits from a young age, which tend to remain for the rest of their lives.
“We understand many parents are busy or simply can’t walk all the way to school but we ask if you have to drive, you still participate in Walk Safely to School Day by simply parking the car a good distance away from the school gate and walking the rest of the way. Not only will you and your children enjoy exercise, but also you’ll be contributing to a cleaner environment.”
Teachers, parents, P&Cs and local councils are also being asked to celebrate Walk Safely to School Day by hosting a Healthy Breakfast, recommended by Australia’s leading nutritionist, Dr Rosemary Stanton.
“A piece of fruit, some cereal or bread and a serving of protein and calcium like cheese, yoghurt or milk at breakfast time is all that is needed to kick-start your child into a day of active learning and physical activity,” Dr Stanton said.
“Studies show that children who eat breakfast, tend to avoid mid-morning concentration slumps and are less likely to eat junk food later in the day – helping to combat childhood overweight and obesity.”
All schools around the nation will receive a Walk Safely to School Day kit including stickers, posters and a how-to-participate guide. Schools can also register to become Walk Safely to School Day Ambassadors. For more information visit www.walk.com.au
