SPORTS stars, health bosses and school pupils will gather at a Caerphilly county borough school today to launch a Wales-wide scheme aimed at keeping children fit today.
The Daily Mile initiative was founded by a former headteacher of Scottish primary school in Stirling, Elaine Wyllie, and involves primary age children walking, jogging or running for 15 minutes at school every day.
It requires no equipment and has already been adopted by several Gwent schools - including Nant Celyn Primary in Cwmbran and Bryn Primary School in Pontllanfraith.
As part of the official launch today, Team GB weightlifter Michaela Breeze, sprinter Christian Malcolm, and adventurer Tori James, will visit pupils and staff at Pontllanfraith Primary School - the latest school in Wales to sign up to the scheme.
Public health minister Rebecca Evans, the founder of the Daily Mile, Ms Wyllie, and head of physical activity at Public Health Wales (PHW), Robert Sage, will also attend.
Ms Evans credited the initiative as a “fantastic way to support young people to get the recommended amount of physical activity each day (which) will help them grow up healthier and happier”.
Newport-born Olympian and Commonwealth silver medallist Mr Malcolm also said he was “thrilled” to join the staff and pupils of Pontllanfraith primary for the national launch.
“By instilling these healthy habits at a young age, we’re helping our children to live full and healthy lives,” he said.
The scheme was adopted at Pontllanfraith primary after year six pupils took part in Young Ambassador training and came back “really enthusiastic” about the project.
Headteacher Angela Taylor, said: “We’ve had a few practices to work out how to make it work (and) decided that we’re going to be out running or walking every day during afternoon play.”
Mr Sage, of PHW, added: “The best way to establish and maintain an active life is to make it part of your day to day routine. The Daily Mile is an excellent way for children to develop good habits that can last throughout life.”
See www.thedailymile.cymru
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