Schools sign up to the Golden Mile initiative for a healthier new year
Winchester City Council, in partnership with Premier Education Group, is giving primary school children in the Winchester district the opportunity to take part in the Golden Mile initiative.
Over 25 schools in the district have registered to be a part of the Golden Mile, whereby pupils walk, jog or run around a set mile long route within the safety of their school grounds.
The aim of the Golden Mile initiative is to minimise the amount of time children spend sedentary and provide them with more opportunities to be physically active.
Once signed up, schools are able to use online resources from the Golden Mile website to record pupil’s achievements and set new challenges with the aim of encouraging regular physical activity throughout the school year.
A number of primary schools have already launched this scheme; Kings Worthy has now walked over 2,600 miles. St Faiths Primary School is now taking regular walks and Stanmore has just announced their Golden Mile route to their pupils.
Cllr Lisa Griffiths, Portfolio Holder for Health & Wellbeing said:
Regular physical activity, such as walking or running, is so important for a child’s health. This initiative will ensure that children have more energy and will also have a positive impact in the classroom, improving concentration levels. I am sure that this initiative will change physical activity habits long term, resulting in a happier and healthier district.
Regular physical activity is associated with numerous health benefits for children, including the reduction of body fat, enhanced bone and cardio-metabolic health as well as enhanced concentration levels and psychological well-being.
If you are a teacher in the Winchester District and would like to sign up your school to the Golden Mile, please contact Lizzie Butcher, Multi-Sport Activator at Winchester City Council on 01962 848 386 or by email; lbutcher@winchester.gov.uk.