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Students Get ‘Wheelie’ Excited Students across Bass Coast Shire joined schools countrywide taking part in National Ride2School Day on Wednesday 25 March. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 30th March 2009 - Back to News Ride2School Day is an opportunity for students to combine exercise with getting to school and parents and teachers were encouraged to leave the car at home and get students walking, riding, skating or scootering to school.
Bass Coast Shire Council’s Walking School Bus Facilitator, Lisa Archibald, said the Walking School Bus Program supported the event by funding participating schools with a healthy breakfast.
"Through this support, we hope to promote the importance of an active lifestyle and healthy eating," said Ms Archibald.
"Bicycle Victoria statistics show that in the 70s and 80s, 80 per cent of children walked or rode to school. Today it is only 20 per cent.
"Given these statistics, it’s not surprising that this generation of children is at higher risk of obesity related diseases including type two diabetes and cardiovascular disease, when incidental exercise is no longer a regular part of life," said Ms Archibald.
Wonthaggi Primary School was one of a number of Bass Coast schools who took part in Ride2School Day. Vice Principal, Vin Hally, said despite the rain, over 50 children participated.
"The student turnout was very high considering the much needed rain was not so conducive to riding," said Mr Hally.
"This event is a great way to encourage as many students as possible to ride, scoot and walk to school.
"Getting the right amount and type of physical exercise is very important in a child’s overall development. To top it off the students also received a free, healthy breakfast to start their day of learning on a positive note.
"We’d like to thank Council for supporting the breaky, as well as St Vincent de Paul Society and Safeway who support our breakfast program every week," continued Mr Hally.
The Walking School Bus Program aims to promote healthy lifestyles on a regular basis. If you are interested in volunteering or participating in the program, contact Lisa Archibald on 1300 BCOAST (226 278).
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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