It's a walk off! Walk to school week cross-border challenge

Pupils from St Patrick’s Primary School, Armagh, and St Tiarnach’s Primary School, Clones, stepped out this week for a cross-border challenge as part of Walk to School Week.

Adding a bit of friendly competition to Walk to School Week 2010, the two schools have been battling it out to see which school can drum up the most support for the initiative by getting the greater number of pupils walking to and from school.

Transport Minister, Conor Murphy, attended St Patrick’s Primary School, Armagh, today to offer his support , saying: "I welcome the fact that so many pupils from St Patrick’s Primary School are supporting the Walk to School Week initiative. Walking is a great way for both children and parents to get their daily dose of exercise and with increasing fuel prices it’s a cost-effective alternative to taking the car. I wish both schools well in the cross-border challenge, but as an Armagh man myself I have to say my loyalty lies with St. Patrick's and I know they will do their best to rise to the challenge."

Running from 17-21 May, Travelwise NI’s annual Walk to School Week initiative aims to encourage more pupils to walk to and from school by promoting the health, financial, social and environmental benefits of active travel. This year’s theme is ‘Go and Glow’, which reflects the positive health and personal satisfaction benefits of walking and also promotes safety through visibility.

Travelwise NI Schools Co-ordinator, Tracey Arlow said: “Walk to School Week is not only about awareness – it’s about translating awareness into practice. Over 55,000 pupils here have been stepping out for Walk to School Week 2010 and we want to encourage students, teachers and parents to think about their journey to school and discover the many benefits of making it on foot.

“Both St Patrick’s PS and St Tiarnach’s PS have shown great enthusiasm for the initiative and I look forward to the awards day in June when their efforts will be recognised by Travelwise NI and An Taisce.”

Following his visit to St. Patrick’s Primary School, the Minister also went to Mount Saint Catherine’s Primary School in Armagh. At Mount Saint Catherine’s, the Minister met with pupils at their morning assembly and explained all of the benefits of walking to school.

For further information on Travelwise NI schools initiatives please call 0845 378 0908 or visit the Travelwise NI website

Notes to editors:

1. Pupils from both St Patrick’s Primary School, Armagh and St Tiarnach’s Primary School, Clones will attend an awards ceremony on 10 June 2010 in the Public Library, Clones, Monaghan. The school with the greater number of pupils who walked to and from school during the initiative will receive vouchers for a visit to an education centre either Lurgaboy adventure centre in Armagh or Tanagh Outdoor education centre in Co Monaghan. Artwork from both schools based on the Walk to School Week theme will also be on display during the awards day.
2. Travelwise NI is an initiative of the Department for Regional Development.
3. Schools here will join schools from the south and across England, Scotland and Wales as they also participate in National Walk to School Week 2010, 17-21 May 2010.
4. Walk to School Week in the south is organised by An Taisce.
5. Schools that participate in Walk to School Week in the north will be eligible to win the ‘Travelwise NI Schools Time-Capsule’ to be presented in September and buried within school grounds.
6. Walk to School 2010 participant figures are based on school registrations and requests for Travelwise NI school resources for pupils.
7. For further information please contact Lauren McCoy/Kieran Donnelly at Morrow Communications on 028 9039 3837 or email l.mccoy@morrowcommunications.com
8. All media queries to: Department for Regional Development Press Office, Tel 028 9054 0004. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.