Walk to School Week launch 2009

• May. 20 by Georgie Campbell (2)

The launch of Walk to School week drew hundreds of children to the streets of Kingstanding on Monday.

Christ the King Catholic Primary School played host to the annual walking event as children and parents flocked to Conker Island for a late breakfast.

 Led by Birmingham City Council’s Travel Planners and a series of guide dogs from Guide Dogs for the Blind, the atmosphere was buzzing by the time the last group came in.

School Travel Plan Strategy Co-ordinator, Beccy Marston, commented: “This year has been slightly different with all the schools across the West Midlands joining up to take part in the campaign.

“The guide dogs had a lot of impact and will continue to visit school across the region throughout the week.  The children are really aware of the benefits of the dogs, especially at this [Christ the King Catholic Primary] school as it has a visually impaired unit.”

The involvement of the guide dogs seemed to be a particular hit this year with kids swarming round every dog as it approached the Island.  Public relations officer for the Guide Dogs for the Blind, Chris Dyson, commented:

“This was the perfect opportunity to get involved with schools across the region to show them the benefits of walking and keeping fit.  Guide dogs give freedom and independence to those that can’t see to drive cars and so are reliant on walking.

“Although the children are from a primary school they all seem old enough to understand what the guide dogs are for and how they help. Walking along with them helps us to encourage fitness and confidence and support the environment.

“If a visually impaired Paralympics footballer can live his dream and keep fit there’s no excuse for anyone else.  We need to leave our cars at home and get the children walking together.”

Whilst the children tucked into their breakfast, the parents explained their enthusiasm for the week long campaign, commenting on the overall fitness aspect for them and their children. The majority seemed somewhat surprised at the benefits of walking to and from school every day.

As the campaign continues throughout the week, perhaps the rest of the region need to get involved. Why leave it to our children? Walk to work today, and perhaps tomorrow, see how much it can benefit you.