Moray pupils encouraged to #PowerUp during Walk to School Week 2022
PRIMARY school pupils are to experience the importance of walking to school during Walk to School Week 2022, which runs 16-20 May.
The five-day walking challenge is an annual celebration of the walk to school and the perfect way for Moray residents to celebrate National Walking Month. Pupils will be encouraged to travel sustainably to school every day, earning stickers as they go along, with a special reward up for grabs at the end of the week.
This year’s challenge, #PowerUp, will engage pupils through video game-inspired design. Each day will see a level unlocked and a new mission to complete, through which pupils will discover the benefits of walking for individuals, communities and the planet.
Whilst it may not be possible for every child to walk the distance from their house to their school, parents are encouraged to 'drive and stride,' parking further than they normally would and walking the rest of the way.
As part of National Walking Month, the Living Streets mascot, Strider, has been visiting participating schools across Moray and has met with pupils at Hopeman Primary School; St Peter’s Primary School; Findochty Primary School; Westend Primary School; and Mosstodloch Primary School.
Strider will also be visiting pupils at St Gerardines Primary School, Portessie Primary School and Seafield Primary School during Walk to School Week 2022.
Moray Council’s Head of Education, Vivienne Cross, said that walking to school is a brilliant way for children to get active and stay healthy.
“We’re encouraging pupils and parents across Moray to get involved in Walk to School Week from Monday 16 May. As well as helping with children’s mental and physical wellbeing, walking is more sustainable for our planet and allows them to learn vital road safety skills.”
Living Streets Scotland Communications Officer, Danielle Angeli, said: “We want the whole of Scotland involved in Walk to School Week and we’re delighted Strider has made the journey to Moray.
“We’ve been urging families up and down the country to give walking a go during May and the reception has been phenomenal. We hope taking part will inspired pupils and their families to keep travelling actively.”
Road Safety Scotland has also recently launched the Go Safe with Ziggy campaign which aims to equip children with the skills, knowledge and attitudes that will help keep them safe. More information, and a range of #GoSafeWithZiggy resources, can be found here.