Ulidia Integrated College pupils pick up award in Translink Eco-Schools Travel Challenge

Pictured receiving their award which helps schools achieve the prestigious Eco-Schools Green Flag Award are: Mrs Sandra Patterson, Geordie Smith, Callum McCoy, Candice Garston, Matthew Cross, Liana Foster, Jack Hancox, Talin Smith, Sophie Connor, Mrs Annie McCarthy, Charlotte Richardson from Translink and Charlene McKeown from Eco-Schools.

The challenge promotes walking, cycling, bus and train travel for the school run instead of car use.

Since its launch, pupils, school members, and parents, have made over 340,000 sustainable journeys using ‘smart moves’ active travel modes in an effort to cut car congestion at the school gates, protect the environment and boost their health and wellbeing.

The travel challenge incorporates curriculum-linked classroom resources and encourages schools to develop sustainable travel plans for at least two weeks in order to achieve the prestigious Eco-Schools Green Flag Award.

The winners for 2020-21 are:

Most Eco-Journeys – Post Primary: Ulidia Integrated College, Carrickfergus. Prize £300

Most Improved Class – Primary: Primary 5 at St Colum’s Primary School, Portstewart. Prize £300

Best Pupil & Transport Hero: Mary Kate from St Colum’s Primary School, Portstewart. Prize £50 book token

Translink Health & Safety Manager John Thompson said: “We’re delighted that so many eco journeys were logged during this year’s challenge, despite the disruptions of Covid. As part of our efforts to create a greener world, Translink has launched a Climate Positive Strategy including ambitious targets to achieve Net Zero Emissions across the business by 2040, and active travel is such an important element in achieving this.

"Congratulations to the winning schools and pupils - it’s fantastic to see pupils, teachers and parents so involved and committed to playing a role in protecting our planet.”

Charlene McKeown from Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful added: “We really enjoy working on this great project with Translink and even in our education’s most difficult year to date schools in Northern Ireland still took the time and prioritised sustainable travel and took part in the challenge. It is really encouraging and promising for us to see so many take part in what was a challenging year for many. We hope to see the programme success continue to grow in the future all while having fun and looking after our health and our environment.”

Sandra Patterson from Ulidia Integrated College also congratulated the Year 9 pupils. “They have shown that even in a pandemic they can achieve great things," she added. "Ulidia Integrated College is very proud of the effort shown by Y9 during the challenge and congratulate the participants on displaying determination and resilience to make a positive environmental impact.”

For further information visit www.translink.co.uk/ecoschools/