Mooloolaba State School students had an extra spring in their step this morning ahead of Friday's National Walk Safely to School Day.
Local celebrities, police officers, government officials, community groups and parents joined over 300 students on a walk from the Alex Surf Club to the Mooloolaba State School campus.
Principal John Turner said the walk was a weekly fixture for students but held extra special significance ahead of Friday's National Walk Safely to School Day.
"Every Monday of the school term, the Buderim Lions Club volunteers, in conjunction with the Queensland Police and local community groups, provide a 'Walking School Bus' program for our students from the Alex Surf Club to the school grounds," Mr Turner said.
"It's provides a great, healthy and active start to the day for students who take part and also helps to reduce traffic congestion at school during the busy drop-off period.
"So we're very supportive of Friday's National Walk Safely to School Day and I encourage students from schools right across the Sunshine Coast to get involved in what is a terrific event that encourages great habits for young people."
Mayor Mark Jamieson, who is a strong supporter of 'Walking School Bus' initiatives, encouraged families across the Sunshine Coast to leave the car at home and walk to school this Friday.
"National Walk Safely to School Day 2019 is a fantastic annual event and an opportunity for more children to enjoy all the great healthy benefits of walking to and from their schools," Mayor Jamieson said.
"Council promotes and supports National Walk Safely to School Day because we believe it's important to encourage our young people to be healthy and active and learn road safety from an early age.
"It's all part of living in our healthy, smart, creative region where active transport like walking or riding a bike is encouraged to promote healthier lifestyles for our young people and help reduce the number of vehicles on our roads and congestion around our schools.
"Council's TravelSmart team works proactively with Sunshine Coast schools year round to encourage and facilitate all modes of active travel to and from school as well as building the confidence of students and parents around road safety awareness."
"Council also provides financial assistance to the Buderim Lions Club to help them provide the weekly 'Walking School Bus' program to a number of Sunshine Coast Schools throughout the year."
Buderim Lions Club President Brian McBride said the Walking School Bus Program was all about creating healthier futures for local children.
"This program has grown over a number of years from a single walk for the Buderim Mountain State School to four schools in 2019 – including this terrific turnout today for Mooloolaba State School," he said.
"With all the various technological devices and distractions young people have today, it's a real buzz for our members to help get children and young people active and to be encouraging them to mingle and socialise with their peers during their walks to school."
More than 1900 students from 48 schools across the Sunshine Coast registered for last year's National Walk Safely School Day. All students who register for this Friday's event via council's website will enter the draw to win terrific prizes including scooters and junior fitness watches.
Registration is open to students within the Sunshine Coast Council local government area via council's website. Register here now ! (one registration per child).
