Daily exercise programme is up and running

CHILDREN are getting set to walk or jog 15 minutes a day in school, as part of an initiative to get Wales’ next generation fit and healthy.

Sport stars and public health experts will meet pupils and teachers at Pontllanfraith Primary in Blackwood today when they officially launch The Daily Mile programme for Wales.

The school was chosen to host the national launch after youngsters told teachers how keen they were to get involved.

Head teacher Angela Taylor said: “Some of our Year 6 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.”

Team GB weightlifter Michaela Breeze, sprinter Christian Malcolm, Public Health Minister Rebecca Evans and founder of The Daily Mile Elaine Wyllie, will be among those gathering for the launch .

The primary is the latest in Wales to sign up to The Daily Mile – a programme to get children active which was first started in Scotland by former head teacher Elaine.

The beauty of the scheme is that it is inclusive, simple and free, with no equipment or set up required, she said.

World and European 200m medallist Malcolm echoed those sentiments. He said: “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 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. Children simply run outside in the fresh air.”

Robert Sage, physical activity lead for Public Health Wales, said walking or jogging a mile in school helps children develop good habits for life.

Teachers and staff at Pantysgallog Primary School in Merthyr Tydfil, who trialled the initiative at their school last year, reported a marked improvement in children’s performances in the classroom.

Schools in Wales can get involved and get help to introduce their own Daily Mile at www.thedailymile.cymru