A spark of enthusiasm for getting active and staying fit and healthy has been kindled among primary school children throughout Chester.
The third day of the Spark Start 100 mile challenge launch saw 400 pupils from Blacon High School, JH Godwin Primary, Dee Point Primary, Highfield Primary and St Theresa’s Primary join Chester MP Stephen Mosley at Blacon High to walk a specially mapped one mile route around the school grounds. They were joined by volunteers from New Balance, representatives from Active Cheshire and councillor Stuart Parker.
The challenge will run throughout the 2014/15 academic year and pupils can reach the target by running, swimming, walking, jogging or cycling 100 miles during the period in school or at home.
Participating schools will record each pupil’s miles with leading schools and pupils receiving prizes along the way.
Mr Mosley said: “This is a fantastic way of engaging kids to get outside and enjoy exercise. It’s great news for Chester that a company like New Balance has teamed up with Active Cheshire for the benefit of people’s health.”
The launch events have enabled a number of employees from the New Balance European HQ to volunteer and Mark Godfrey, senior footwear designer, said it’s been a great opportunity for them.
He added: “The response from the kids has been fantastic and it’s been so great to see them embrace the challenge.”
Lee Cairns, head of PE at Blacon High School said: “It has been a great afternoon for the launch of this challenge and fantastic to see the pupils all taking part. It is a simple and fun way to encourage young people to get active in their everyday lives. We hope they will encourage their friends and families to do the same.”
