Schools walk and wheel their way to success
Published: Tuesday 17 May 2022
Two South Lanarkshire schools have won their categories in a national ‘Big Walk and Wheel Challenge’.
Wester Overton Primary School (Strathaven) won in the ‘large primary school’ category (first place for Scotland and 16th place nationally).
St. John’s Primary School (Blackwood) won in the ‘small primary school’ category (tie at first place for Scotland with two other schools, same position nationally).
Organised by Sustrans, the Big Walk and Wheel Challenge took place between 21 March and 1 April this year.
It is the UK’s largest inter‑school walking, wheeling, scooting and cycling challenge and inspires pupils to be amazing and take active journeys to school.
Wester Overton Primary School Head Teacher June Moir said: “The school community are delighted to have been awarded first place in the Scottish Large Primary Schools category of the Big Walk and Wheel.
“The reduction in traffic around the school during the Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel has been incredible, with over 95% of our children choosing to walk, scoot or cycle to school.
“Every child tried really hard to take part and our parents have been amazingly supportive, encouraging children to be more active in their school journey.
“We have eight Bikeability trainers who worked really hard with our Primary 5 and 6 pupils to complete their Bikeability training over the two weeks, which helped get everyone cycling.
“The local bike shop, The Bike Barn, fixed up our bikes and donated two more, so it was a community effort! “
St John’s Primary School (Blackwood) Head Teacher Yvonne McCart said: "A huge well done to our pupils for achieving first place in the Big Walk and Wheel challenge in the small school category.
“Thank you to everyone who scooted, walked, and wheeled their way to school, with special thanks to Abbie and Corey, our Junior Road Safety Officers, who oversaw the event.
“Thanks also to Mrs Carty, one of our School Support Assistants, who works with the JRSO."
Executive Director of Education Resources, Tony McDaid, said: “Huge congratulations to Wester Overton and St John’s Primary schools for their success.
“To have two schools in South Lanarkshire win two of the categories in Scotland is a fantastic achievement.”
Executive Director of Community and Enterprise Resources, David Booth, said: “I would like to join Tony in congratulating the two schools, and also say thank you to our Road Safety Team who encourage pupils across South Lanarkshire to walk and wheel as much as possible.”
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