The Federal Member for Wannon, Dan Tehan is encouraging all primary school children, their parents and carers to take part in National Walk Safely to School Day on Friday 20 May 2011.
The Federal Member for Wannon, Dan Tehan is encouraging all primary school children, their parents and carers to take part in National Walk Safely to School Day on Friday 20 May 2011.
Walk Safely to School Day is run by the Pedestrian Council of Australia.
Now in its twelfth year, the Walk Safely to School Day is a national campaign to promote the benefits of regular exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle to school children as well as reinforcing safe pedestrian behaviour.
“Walking to and from school is a great way to ensure that young Australians get their recommended amount of physical exercise each day.
“Childhood obesity is a growing problem in Australia. According to recent research, 22.4 percent of children aged 5 to 12 are either overweight or obese,” Mr Tehan said.
The results get worse for those aged 13 to 17, where the rate of overweight or obese children jumps to
28.6 percent.
“Children are more likely to be found sitting in front of the T.V or a computer, rather than out kicking a footy or riding a bike.
“I would encourage all students, and their parents or carers to take the first steps towards a healthier lifestyle by hitting the pavement on Friday 20 May and walking to school.” Mr Tehan said.
Walk Safely to School Day is an initiative of the Pedestrian Council of Australia and was originally sponsored by the Howard Government. It has been funded by the Australian Government every year since then, and is supported by each State & Territory and Local Governments, the Heart Foundation, Diabetes Australia, Cancer Council, and Beyond Blue.
Further information on National Walk Safely to School Day can be found at www.walk.com.au
-ENDS-
Media Contact: Rachelle Miller 03 5572 1100 or 0408 564 232
Mr Dan Tehan MP will be participating in Walk to School Day on Friday 20 May 2011, starting 8:30am at The Hamilton and Alexandra College Senior Campus (1 Chaucer Street, Hamilton) and walking with students to the Junior Campus (Kent Road, Hamilton).
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