STUDENTS ENCOURAGED TO WALK TO SCHOOL OCTOBER 5TH

Parents, teachers and community leaders around the world will follow the lead of children on International Walk to School Day, taking place Wednesday, October 5th.

"Leading healthy and active lifestyles is very important and walking or biking to school is an easy way to build daily physical activity into a child's day," Regina Northeast MLA Ron Harper said on behalf of Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joan Beatty. "It's also a great way for schools to celebrate the International Year of Sport and Physical Education."

The day is part of International Walk to School Week, which runs October 3rd – 7th, 2005. Children in 36 countries will take to the streets with adults to walk part, or all, of the way to school to experience the benefits of increased physical activity, reduced traffic congestion, improved air quality and the simple joy of walking together.

Organizers acknowledge that it is more difficult for rural citizens to participate in the initiative, but encourage them to use their creativity to come up with their own unique way to mark the day.

Schools are encouraged to register their participation to enter for one of three awards of $500. To learn more or to register your school, please visit www.goforgreen.ca.

In Canada, the event is co-ordinated nationally by Go for Green and is a component of the National Active and Safe Routes to School Program. In Saskatchewan, the weeklong campaign is also supported by Saskatchewan in motion, an initiative aimed at increasing the physical activity of all Saskatchewan residents.

For more information, visit www.saskatchewaninmotion.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Janet Peters Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306) 787-4967