Translink and Eco Schools launch challenge at Oakwood

Oakwood Integrated Primary School pupils l-r: Cara Markey, Jada Moat, Dillon Duff and Samir Javed, launch the Translink Eco-Schools Travel Challenge that encourages pupils and parents across Northern Ireland to choose more sustainable transport modes for the school run including walking, cycling, bus or train. To register or for further information click www.translink.co.uk/ecoschools. The challenge assists schools in attaining the internationally recognised Eco-Schools Green Flag Award and all participants will be entered into an Ulsterbus Tours prize draw to win a coach trip to Dublin and special tour for an entire class.

The challenge encourages school pupils and parents across Northern Ireland to move away from private car use and choose more environmentally-friendly transport modes for the school run including walking, cycling, bus or train travel.

Translink’s Lynda Shannon said there are many reasons for schools to get involved.

She said: “This Travel Challenge is a great opportunity for young people to learn about the environmental, safety, health and cost-saving benefits of sustainable travel. Key Stage 1 – 3 pupils are eligible to take part and 36 schools have already signed-up for the 2014 Challenge.

“Not only are Challenge participants tackling the serious issue of car congestion at school gates and its associated safety and environmental risks, they are also helping their school achieve the internationally-recognised Eco-Schools Green Flag – a highly prestigious award!

“If this isn’t enough incentive, we will also present special prizes to the top performing challenge participants.

“This year, we are pleased to offer an additional prize in which all classes who submit entries will be included in a draw to win an Ulsterbus Tours coach trip to Dublin*.

“Schools can register their participation online now at www.translink.co.uk/ecoschools where there is a range of engaging classroom resources available to download.

“We are pleased to continue to work in partnership with Eco Schools to deliver this travel challenge which reflects our company-wide commitment to good environmental performance and our focus on making life better in Northern Ireland,” said Lynda.

Carmel Fyfe, Eco-Schools Manager, TIDY Northern Ireland, said, “We are delighted to once again be supported by Translink and are encouraged to see more and more schools getting involved in the challenge each year. The Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for pupils and parents to adopt more eco-friendly travel habits while learning more about the impact of travel choices on environmental sustainability.

“It is also great to see so many schools addressing the transport topic as they work towards achieving the prestigious internationally recognised Eco-Schools Green Flag and we would encourage all Eco-Schools to get involved. We look forward to seeing even more schools take up the challenge and implementing practical actions to move towards more sustainable means of transport.

Deadline for completed Translink Eco-Schools Travel Challenge entries is Monday 26th May 2014. For further information or to register school participation click www.translink.co.uk/ecoschools or call 028 9073 6920.