Pupils help Minister put best foot forward for walking competition

Transport Minister Danny Kennedy joins Rachel Williams, Hannah Ellish, Madison Henry, Arron Waddell, Jennifer Marrow and Emily Johnston from Poyntzpass Primary School and St Joseph and St James Primary School in Armagh to launch the Travelwise NI Walk to School Week competition

The Minister invited all primary schools in Northern Ireland to take part by sending in entries for My Walk to School competition which asks pupils to use words and images to describe their journey to school in the run up to and during ‘Walk to School Week’ which takes place this year from May 18 – 22.

Mr Kennedy said, “Being active builds a foundation for better health and I would urge parents and teachers to help encourage school children to walk to school in the run up to and during Walk to School Week 2015.

“Incorporating walking into a daily routine helps children keep fit and helps to develop greater personal independence. The Walk to School Week competition is educational and fun and I would encourage schools to get involved.”

Winning schools from each county in Northern Ireland will win high vis vests for each pupil in the school as Travelwise NI sets out to highlight the health, environmental and other benefits of walking to school whilst ensuring safety requirements.”