Minister Kennedy launches Walk to School Week poster competition

Transport Minister Danny Kennedy is calling on primary school children to show off their creative talents by entering this years’ Walk to School Week Design a Poster Competition.
~ Monday, 6 February 2012

The competition, which is being run by the Department for Regional Development’s Travelwise NI team, asks primary school children in Northern Ireland to reflect on how they travel to and from school by designing an A3 poster, based around the theme ‘Step Forward in Time.’

Minister Danny Kennedy said: “Last year 4,000 school children entered our competition and this year we are hoping that even more budding artists will join us as we give thought to the impact of our travel choices on the environment and the benefits of walking to school.

“Children can make a significant contribution to the preservation of the planet for future generations by choosing more environment friendly travel choices, like walking, for their journey to and from school.

“Walking to school has lots of proven benefits for children; it’s a fun and easy way to fit in more exercise and make sure kids are getting the recommended 60 minutes per day. It also reduces congestion and reduces the likelihood of accidents around the school gates, while providing opportunities to socialise and enjoy the local environment.

"This year’s theme ‘Step Forward in Time’ is all about caring for the environment and reflecting on how it affects us all in the future. We hope that teachers and parents across Northern Ireland put their best foot forward by encouraging children to enter this worthwhile competition!”

Travelwise NI Schools Co-ordinator, Nuala McMullan said: “According to research, nine out of 10 teachers in the UK consider that the walk to school makes children brighter, more alert and ready for the first class of the day (Department for Transport, 2001.)

“The winning design will be produced as part of the Walk to School Week promotional materials and sent to schools across the whole of Northern Ireland. The school of the winning pupil will also be rewarded with a £750 voucher for an outdoor activity centre or a sports retailer of their choice in acknowledgement of their commitment to encouraging sustainable travel behaviour amongst their pupils,”said Nuala McMullan.

The competition will run from 6 February 2012 to16 March 2012 and is open to all primary schools in Northern Ireland.

For details on how to enter the competition, check out: http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/poster

Travelwise will be regularly updating its Facebook page with some of the best entries – visit: http://www.facebook.com/travelwiseni

Notes to editors:

1. Walk To School Week (21-25 May 2012) is a national event which is now in its 8th year. All schools in Northern Ireland are invited by Travelwise NI to participate.
2. The closing Date for the Design a Poster Competition is 16 March 2012 . The winner of the competition will be announced on Thursday 5 April 2012.
3. Media queries to Emma Flynn Davies, the Department for Regional Development Press Office, Tel: 028 9054 0372. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.