Mayo schools joined thousands of students across Ireland this week who are putting plans in motion to take part in An Taisce Green-Schools’ National Walk to School Week 2012, which takes place from May 21 to 25.
Mayo schools will participate in the week long activities in various way, including creating special walking buses, participating in walking tours, walking fitness workshops, Park’N’Stride events, and nature walks—with the ultimate aim of increasing the number of students who make the school journey on foot during the week. An Taisce hopes that schools will help it achieve its target of 20,000 pupils walking to school all over Ireland on National WOW (Walk on Wednesday ) Day on May 23.
Eva Gannon, Green-Schools travel education officer stated: “Green-Schools is committed to promoting sustainable travel options, including walking the journey to school, as a real alternative to the car. Walking to school is a great way to be active during the day as well as reducing traffic congestion at the school gates. Schools in Mayo have really shown that they know how to make their school journeys greener and healthier this year by participating in this special week of awareness and action. The work these schools have done in promoting walking during National Walk to School Week is a real step towards making positive long-term changes to the way children in Mayo travel to school, making it a better environment for everyone.”
