Telford schools run 150 miles in activity competition
Last month, schools in Telford and Wrekin took part in a friendly competition to see who can be the most active in the borough.
As part of the Telford Schools Challenge, schools recorded the amount of miles their classes ran or walked each week in November.
Nearly 150 miles was covered by classrooms across all schools taking part.
The top performing school that ran the most miles was St. Patrick’s Primary School, with a mile count of 49.6 miles. The school covered more than a mile a day.
Stephen Reynolds, Mayor of Telford and Wrekin, presented a certificate for their achievement to Shay, a pupil at the school.
Andy Burford, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: “It’s been fantastic to hear how the pupils in schools across Telford & Wrekin have grown into regular activity as part of their school day.
“Well done to all of the schools taking part, and congratulations to St. Patrick’s Primary for being the top performing school.
“Even in November, pupils have been out taking part in this competition – proving that weather is no barrier to activity.”
The Telford Schools Challenge is part of Telford and Wrekin Councils ongoing Let’s Get Telford Active Campaign, which aims to boost activity levels across the borough for all ages.
The Telford Schools Challenge is still open to schools who want to take part.
Next term schools will be invited to take part in a new competition - to finish the most ‘10 minute shakeups’ in one month.
Mary Price, Head of School at St Patrick’s Primary School, said: “We are trying to become a more ‘active’ school so it seemed fitting that we should take part in the challenge - I would like to thank Miss Hunter, our PE Lead, for organising this.
“There is a strong culture of sporting activities at St Patrick’s and we have been running the Daily Mile since September 2018 in all classes.
“We are delighted to have won the competition, and look forward to taking part in the next challenge in February.”
In its latest Active Lives Children & Young People Survey, Sport England revealed that the number of young people classed as 'active' is increasing across Telford and Wrekin.
Andy Burford, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, added: “The number of young people exercising for at least 150 minutes a week, has increased by 15.8 per cent compared to the previous 12 months in Telford and Wrekin.
“This fabulous news reflects the work we are doing as a council in schools and communities to encourage people to make the promotion of health and wellbeing their own business.
“We have vibrant and active communities, full of passionate people who want to give a helping hand – The Telford School’s Challenge is just one example of this.”
More information about the schools challenge can be found on www.healthytelford.com.
Pictured: Stephen Reynolds, Mayor of Telford and Wrekin with pupils from St Patrick's Priamry School
