It’s time to Walk to School!

Published on 18 October 2017

Schools from Loddon Shire have joined hundreds of primary schools from across Victoria for a fun month of walking, riding and scooting to and from school as part of this year’s VicHealth Walk to School initiative.

Children and families that can’t walk the whole way are being encouraged to walk part way – such as parking the car a few blocks from their school and walking, riding or scooting the rest.

As well as promoting physical activity for families, the month will include activity days for schools across the Shire, including Boort, Wedderburn, East Loddon, Pyramid Hill, Inglewood, Bridgewater and Tarnagulla.

Aimed at encouraging children to engage in more physical activity, the days include either a tabloid games activity event by Kelly Sports or a visit from Victorian Institute of Sport athletes. Information about healthy eating and physical activity will also be provided by Inglewood and Districts Health Service and Northern District Community Health Service.  

To further inspire ongoing physical activity among families, a photo competition will be run during the month. With great prizes up for grabs, to be a part of the competition, parents/guardians are asked to submit a photo of their primary-school-aged child (or children) walking, riding or scooting to school (or to their bus stop). First prize is a scooter, second prize a Garmin fitness tracker watch, and third prize is a SportsPower voucher.

Loddon Shire Mayor Neil Beattie said Council was pleased to support Walk to School. 

“VicHealth’s Walk to School initiative and promoting physical activity in the community aligns with Council’s Public Health and Wellbeing Plan,” Cr Beattie said.

“It’s great that Council can not only be part of Walk to School 2017, but also provide local activities around the initiative, including the school activity days and photo competition during October.

“We’d love to see more families walking, scooting or riding in Loddon Shire to help local kids get active and build healthy habits, confidence and friendships.”

To find out more about this year’s Walk to School activities and the photo competition, contact Council’s Walk to School Project Officer on 5437 7999.