Is your child participating in walk safely to school day? May 15th

Walk Safely to School Day is a national campaign that encourages primary school children to walk safely to school.

It will be held throughout Australia on Friday 15 May 2009. All Victorian schools are urged to become involved on Walk Safely to School Day by encouraging their students and families to walk all or part of the way to school on Friday 15 May 2009 and to develop healthy walking habits.

The primary objectives of Walk Safely to School Day are:

To promote the health benefits of walking and help create regular walking habits at an early age.

To help children develop the vital road-crossing skills they will need as they become mature pedestrians.

To promote walking as a sustainable method of transport to school.

Walk Safely to School Day is proudly sponsored by the Australian Federal Government's Department of Health and Ageing (DOHA), Department of Education and Department of Environment.

Walk Safely to School Day is also supported by the National Heart Foundation, Diabetes Australia, beyondblue, the Cancer Council and Planet Ark.

Walk Safely to School Day is also endorsed by several other key bodies that play an important role in the support of physical activity and nutrition. This includes the Australian Medical Association (AMA), Australian Council of State School Organisations (Parents and Citizens Associations), Australian Primary Principals Association (APPA), the Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER) and the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA).

The Pedestrian Council of Australia, a not-for-profit organisation, aims to educate, advocate and promote a culture of concern and care within the whole community for the rights and responsibilities of pedestrians.

For more information visit: www.walk.com.au