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Bass Coast School Is A Leader In Bike Safety Photograph (see attached): Cr Gareth Barlow and Peter Laydon (Community Safety Manager) with the Cowes Primary School Bike Ed Team Last week Cowes Primary School came third in the State Final of the Bike Ed Challenge held in Morwell. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 20th November 2006 - Back to News Over 150 schools were involved in this year’s State wide challenge. The day was a success for Gippsland in general and for South Gippsland Roadsafe in particular, who were represented by the first and third place getters.
The team from Cowes Primary school represented Bass Coast Shire and South Gippsland RoadSafe. The winning school was Mirboo North Primary School, who also represented South Gippsland RoadSafe and South Gippsland Shire.
Bass Coast’s Community Safety Manager, Peter Laydon was extremely pleased with the results.
"The children put in a significant amount of time and effort preparing for these events," said Mr Laydon.
"Reaching the State Final is a fantastic effort in itself when you consider the number of primary schools involved.
Mr Laydon said taking part in the Bike Ed Challenge was a considerable commitment for the children and the school communities.
"I’d really like to congratulate the students who took part, as well as the coaches, teachers, parents and Bass Coast staff members who worked with them on the event," said Mr Laydon.
But there is also a serious side to the Bike Ed Challenge.
"It’s not just about competing on the day," said Mr Laydon
"The program teaches the students about road safety issues.
"This knowledge may help prevent these children being involved in a serious road accident in the future."
The Cowes and Mirboo North teams had to compete in a number of events in order to make it through to the State Final.
"All the schools have to first compete in a local Shire challenge," explained Mr Laydon.
"The first three schools from that event progress to a Regional Final, which includes primary schools from all over Gippsland.
"Cowes and Mirboo North Primary schools finished in the Top 3 in the Regional Final," continued Mr Laydon.
"That both the schools went on to be successful at the State Final, is a wonderful achievement."
The Bike Ed program is supported by funding through Council’s Community Grants scheme.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com

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