The Daily Mile – getting our kids moving

Children are getting fatter at an earlier age and we need to stop this in its tracks. Here, Mark Smith looks at a simple initiative which aims to get our kids moving

Childhood obesity remains a significant problem in Wales. According to latest figures, one in four children are classed as either overweight or obese by the time they reach primary school.

And it appears children from the poorest backgrounds are the most likely to have a weight problem.

But a new initiative launched earlier this year aims to reduce this epidemic by getting children to exercise for just 15 minutes each day.

The Daily Mile aims to improve the physical, emotional and social health and wellbeing of children regardless of age or personal circumstances.

Experts claim its impact can be “transformational”, improving not only the childrens’ fitness but also their concentration levels, mood, behaviour and general wellbeing.

Team GB weightlifter Michaela Breeze and sprinter Christian Malcolm were just two of the big names to launch the Daily Mile at Pontllanfraith Primary School in Blackwood in March. Michaela, Commonwealth Games weightlifting gold medallist, 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, tidy up, or equipment required. “Children simply run outside in the fresh air. It’s fully inclusive; every child, whatever their circumstances, age or ability, succeeds at The Daily Mile.” Angela Talor, head teacher of Pontllanfraith Primary, said some of its Year 6 pupils took part in Young Ambassador training with the local Sports Development team, who came back really enthusiastic about The Daily Mile. She added: “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.”

Public Health Minister Rebecca Evans said: “The Daily Mile is an easy and fun way for children to improve their health and wellbeing. “It is a fantastic way to support young people to get the recommended amount of physical activity each day, and will help them grow up healthier and happier.

“Well done to everyone at Pontllanfraith Primary for getting involved! I encourage schools across Wales to follow hot on their heels and sign up to The Daily Mile.”

The Daily Mile was the idea of former head teacher Elaine Wyllie, who worked at a large primary school in Stirling, Scotland.

She said: “I’m delighted to see The Daily Mile being launched today in Wales and congratulate the Welsh Government and Public Health Wales in recognising the long lasting benefits that this simple, effective and free initiative will bring to the children of Wales – better physical, emotional, social and mental health now and into their future lives.”