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Pedestrian Council of Australia
Safety – Amenity – Access – Health
Media LAUNCH |
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KANGAROOS PUT THEIR BEST FOOT FORWARD TO LAUNCH NATIONAL WALK SAFELY TO SCHOOL DAY, FRIDAY 15 MAY |
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Footy heroes Darren Lockyer, Kirt Gidley and Luke Lewis have taken time out of their busy training schedule for the Kangaroo's to officially put their best foot forward to launch National Walk Safely to School Day, on Friday 15 May.
Despite their big game against New Zealand this weekend, the players met with children on Friday afternoon to help teach them the importance of starting healthy habits like regular exercise from a young age.
"Back in our day we used to walk to school alot," said Lockyer.
"It's a shame that so many kids these days are taxied everywhere - particularly for short journeys. Regular exercise like walking is so important for kids and if you start it at an early age, then children automatically learn to be healthy and active."
More than 8,000 primary schools from around the nation are preparing to follow the footy players lead and pound the pavement this coming Friday, 15 May. They will be walking their way to better physical and mental health and cleaner air, as part of national Walk Safely to School Day. Now in its tenth year, the event asks parents and carers to walk safely to school with their children, either all or at least part of the way. The aim is to develop Active Kids and Healthy Kids by encouraging all Australian children to exercise regularly, including at least 30 minutes of walking in their daily routine. The event also aims to reduces hazardous traffic congestion and vehicle pollution around schools.
In 2009, the NRL and Rugby League's One Community launched a national health program aimed at reducing incidences of childhood obesity. The program is called "Eat Well, Play Well, Stay Well (EWPWSW)".
NRL spokesperson Trish Crews said:
"The NRL is thrilled to support Walk Safely to School Day. It's a great opportunity for us to use the profile of the game and its players to communicate positive health messages to children and families.
"National Walk Safely to School Day and EWPWSW both believe that all Australian children need to increase their physical activity, and walking to school is a great way to do this!"
Walk Safely to School Day organiser, Harold Scruby from the Pedestrian Council of Australia said:
"Children develop lifestyle habits when they're young. Encouraging them to walk regularly, instead of jumping into the car is an easy, effective and achievable way to forge their pathway to becoming healthy adults.
"A walk in the morning also prepares students mentally for an active day of learning and playing.
"And it's great for parents too! By leaving the car at least a kilometer from school, parents can avoid the traffic congestion and stress of dropping the kids off, and enjoy a peaceful walk and talk and the health of the morning air. "Bad habits last a lifetime. We know that young people who were overweight and obese as children are likely to be overweight as adults." But while many parents are busy or simply can't walk all the way to school, Mr Scruby says they can still participate in the event. "We understand walking the entire way to school can be difficult or impractical for some parents and carers. So if you have to drive, don't forget you can simply park the car a good distance away from the school and walk the rest of the way." Mr Scruby continued.
Walk Safely to School Day is this coming Friday, 15 May. All schools around the nation have received a Walk Safely to School Day kit including stickers, posters and a how-to-participate guide. For more information visit www.walk.com.au
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For more information please contact:
Kel Hawthorn, National PR Manager
Walk Safely to School Day |
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