Children from four Bath primary schools have been giving their teachers the run-a-around as they showcase activities for their ‘move a mile’ weekly challenge.
The 220 pupils from years three and four from Batheaston Primary, Bathampton Primary, Swainswick Primary and St Saviour’s Junior schools met at St Mark’s School in Larkhall on Friday 18th November.
They took part in running activities as part of efforts to be more active for their ‘Move a Mile’ challenge, which is set by the Director of Public Health Award.
Dr Bruce Lawrence, Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “Move a Mile is a challenge for all our primary schools to get children more active during the school day.
“The Government’s Childhood Obesity Plan asks for schools to deliver 30 minutes of physical activity every day and the B&NES Director of Public Health Award for schools asks for three hours a week, including PE lessons.
“Move a Mile is a great way to encourage children to be more physically active in a range of fun ways and can be used at any time in the day. Congratulations to the staff and children taking part – they are showing us all how it can be done.”
Councillor Michael Evans, Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “It’s really good to see young people embracing the challenge to be more active. We hope that the young people will not only be active while at school but will adopt some of the activities at home too.”
Councillor Vic Pritchard, Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, said: “An active lifestyle can have many benefits, both physically and mentally, and we hope the young people involved will really feel the benefits from being more active.”
Brendan Rouse, Bath & North East Somerset Council’s School Sports Coordinator, added: “60 pedometers were distributed among the runners with the aim of achieving 2,000 steps which is the equivalent to one mile. Some Pedometers came back with over 6,000 steps.”
Mr Rouse thanked Ms Gooding of St Mark’s School and the Year 7 sports ambassadors who led the event and kept so many children on the move.