Melbourne City FC has joined forces with VicHealth to encourage school children across Victoria to take part in the 2014 Walk to School campaign.
Melbourne City FC will be the official community partner for this year’s campaign, which calls on families across the state to walk to and from school every day in October.
VicHealth CEO, Jerril Rechter, thanked the Hyundai A-League club for its support, saying the campaign’s association with Melbourne City FC would inspire primary school children across the state to become involved.
“Unfortunately, only one in five Victorian primary school children get the 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity they need every day. Walk to School helps children get active, build healthy habits for life, develop their social skills and learn about road safety.
“Regular physical activity is important for everyone. The health benefits to children go beyond physical health. Kids can open up more when they are walking, they learn to cope with the stresses of life, to make decisions, explore and most importantly, have fun. For adults, physical activity also contributes to reducing depression, stress and anxiety. Walking to school together is also a great way for busy parents to spend quality time with their kids,” Ms Rechter added.
Melbourne City FC is lending its support to the campaign, with the Club’s CEO, Scott Munn and Assistant Coach Ivan Jolic both taking the challenge to walk to and from school with their children during October to raise awareness of the campaign.
“Melbourne City FC is excited to be the official community partner for this year’s campaign,” Munn said.
“We encourage all Victorian primary school kids and their families to step up to the challenge. Sign up through your school, or if your school is not participating, register on the Walk to School website to be part of the action.”
Registrations are now open for Walk to School 2014 at www.walktoschool.vic.gov.au. Participating schools will be provided with certificates to celebrate students’ achievements and will be in the running for regional prizes including a full-day soccer clinic for the whole school, run by Melbourne City FC.
The free Walk to School app for iPhone and android devices makes it easier for students and families to record their walks to and from school every day. Walk to School kicks off on Monday 6 October 2014.
