CHILDREN ENCOURAGED TO WALK TO SCHOOL THIS WEEK

Last year, Lochside Primary school won the regional trophy for the school that had the most consistent number of pupils who walked to school during the week.  So, to launch Walk to School Week 2016, the Education Chairman, Jeff Leaver attended the school along with Wee Dee Gee – the Council’s school meals mascot.  Wee Dee Gee was telling the school children that it is important to have a healthy breakfast to keep their brains fuelled and to have more energy for their walk to school.

Walk to School Week starts this Monday 16th May to Friday 20th May and highlights and promotes health and fitness. Getting children into the habit of active travel is important and this is the perfect place to start. A brisk walk, cycle or scoot to school is an easy way to boost energy levels for the day ahead and improve overall health, and helps with the fight against childhood obesity.  The council will be encouraging school pupils to walk, cycle or scoot to school (where it is safe to do so), or taking part in an active playground activity if walking to school is not possible.

Councillor Jeff Leaver, chairman of the Education Committee said:

“One of D&G Councils priorities is to support children to be healthy and active. Walk to School Week is a great opportunity for children to get out in the sunshine and enjoy the walk to school.  I hope that everyone who participates in the Walk to School Week enjoys themselves and  this results in more pupils walking, cycling or scooting to school on a more regular basis. This is a great way to keep families fit and healthy and also cut the number of vehicles around the school gates which in turn makes it safer for children to walk, cycle or scoot.”