Andrew Barr

Walk Safely to School Day

Submitted by Andrew Barr on 7 May 2010 - 1:18pm
Kids across the ACT have hit the footpath instead of the road today to take part in National Walk Safely to School Day.
 
Students from Condor Primary, Kingsford Smith School, Amaroo School and St John Vianney Primary School took part in the initiative which aims to reduce childhood obesity, increase awareness about road safety, improve air quality and reduce dangerous traffic jams around schools.
 
Duffy Primary School led the way with many students marching through the school’s gates this morning. Once there they were greeted by ACT Minister for Education and Training, Sport and Recreation, Andrew Barr, as well as members of the Canberra Raiders rugby league team and the ACT Brumbies rugby union team.
 
“I congratulate the students of Duffy Primary and all the other students across the ACT who have walked to school today,” Mr Barr said.
 
“This event complements the work ACT schools do every day in encouraging young Canberrans to live active and healthy lifestyles through regular PE classes and also through the annual Minister’s Physical Activity Challenge which will kick off for 2010 soon.
 
“I also congratulate the Pedestrian Council of Australia for their work in encouraging young Canberrans to walk safely to school,” Mr Barr said.
 
Pedestrian Council of Australia CEO Harold Scruby has congratulated those primary school kids across the ACT who took part in National Walk Safely to School Day.
 
“Walking to school is a great way to fit in some of the 60 minutes exercise each day that kids should do for maximum health and fitness,” Mr Scruby said.
 
“Focusing on an active lifestyle is an important part of the Walk Safely to School Day message, it also goes a long way to help our kids make a positive start to a long, healthy and happy life, free of health issues like obesity and diabetes.
 
“So let’s stay active, let’s walk to school, and let’s help all Australian kids be fit and healthy for the future.”
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