Pupils get set for fitness as Daily Mile initiative is launched inWales
SPORT stars and public health experts officially launched The Daily Mile in schools in Wales yesterday.
Team GB weightlifter Michaela Breeze and sprinter Christian Malcolm; adventurer Tori James; Minister for Social Services and Public Health Rebecca Evans; founder of The Daily Mile Elaine Wyllie; and head of physical activity at Public Health Wales Robert Sage officially launched the initiative at Pontllanfraith Primary School in Blackwood.
The Caerphilly primary school is the latest school in Wales to sign up to The Daily Mile, an initiative started by Elaine Wyllie, former headteacher of a primary school in Stirling, Scotland.
The Daily Mile aims to encourage primary-aged children to run, walk or jog for 15 minutes every day in school.
Pantysgallog Primary School in Merthyr Tydfil is among the schools in Wales which have already started the programme and report health, social and learning benefits for pupils.
Pontllanfraith Primary headteacher Angela Taylor said she launched the initiative in her school after requests from pupils.
“Some of our Year Six pupils took part in Young Ambassador training with the local sports development team and came back really enthusiastic about The Daily Mile. We discussed it with staff and they were keen to do it too.
“The Young Ambassadors have really got involved in organising and planning for our Daily Mile – we’ve had a few practices to work out how to make it work. We’ve decided that we’re going to be out running or walking every day during afternoon play.”
World and European 200m medallist Christian Malcolm said he was thrilled to help launch the scheme in Wales.
“It’s such a simple yet effective initiative – within a month the children are much fitter, and feel happier and more confident in themselves. By instilling these healthy habits at a young age, we’re helping our children to live full and healthy lives.”
Commonwealth Games weightlifting gold medallist Michaela Breeze said: “Getting children active at a young age is key to setting them up for a healthy lifestyle. The Daily Mile is so simple – there’s no set-up, tidyup or equipment required. Children simply run outside in the fresh air and it’s fully inclusive.”
Robert Sage, physical activity lead for Public Health Wales and Public Health Minister Rebecca Evans said they want to encourage all schools in Wales to adopt The Daily Mile.
Mrs Wyllie congratulated Wales on taking up the programme, saying it would improve pupils’ physical, emotional, social and mental health, as well as encouraging them to be active throughout their lives.