'The Daily Mile' is launched in Guernsey

Tuesday 16 January 2018

Eight local schools have signed up to an international initiative to get kids moving by walking, jogging or running for at least 15 minutes each day.

St Martin’s, Castel, St Anne’s, Beechwood, Acorn House, Hautes Capelles, Vale, Forest and Le Rondin schools are all taking part in The Daily Mile programme. It aims to improve the physical, social, emotional and mental health and wellbeing of children, regardless of age, ability or personal circumstances.

Each school that commits to The Daily Mile is allocated a ‘celebrity supporter’, which includes some of Guernsey's most successful athletes.

The initiative was launched officially at a special assembly at Beechwood school with ex-pupil, Alastair Chalmers who is the school's 'celebrity supporter' and Alun Williams, the lifelong learning manager and coordinator of the Be Active Forum.

Mr Chalmers and Mr Williams spoke to the children about the importance of being healthy and active and how the daily mile is being developed across the island.

Pictured: Alun Williams and Alastair Chalmers at the launch assembly

Mr Williams said: "There has been an increasing awareness in recent years of the requirement and benefits of helping young people to become more active. Our primary schools play a key role in supporting young people and their families in incorporating activity into their lives every day. Locally we are fortunate to have schools who have embraced the philosophy of supporting all young people to be active. Recent school validations have commented upon the inclusive, whole-school approaches to activity and recognised the commitment to learning outside the classroom and providing both formal and informal opportunities. It is simple and fun yet effective."

The Daily Mile was first adopted at a Scottish school in 2012 and since then it has grown, to now include more than 3000 schools. It aims to give schools and their children an additional opportunity to incorporate activity into their daily lives.

You can find more out about the daily mile and schools taking part internationally at www.thedailymile.co.uk 

Main image: Alastair Chalmers and the pupils at Beechwood