Airidhantuim Pupils Walk To Success!

January 2006

Pupils at Airidhantuim School have walked away with an award as the most prolific walkers in the Western Isles! Recently the local Active Schools team developed an imaginary 'Western Isles Way' long distance footpath. 

Pupils at Airidhantuim School

Youngsters in P4 -P7 were provided with a pedometer to count the steps they were taking each day at school and a booklet to record this data. "The idea was to raise awareness of walking as a building block of physical activity" said Tony Wade, Team Leader of the Active Schools team in the Western Isles. "We had a fantastic response from young people - including one youngster who happened to be on crutches at the time, insisting that he be included and trying to maximise his steps every day!  There were also several reports of dinner queues marching on the spot!"

Active Schools, is a Scottish Executive funded project aimed at increasing opportunities for young people to get involved in all forms of physical activity.
"Over the four weeks that we ran the project, Airidhantuim School had the highest average numbers of steps per day by each pupil and as a reward for their efforts they were invited to Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais and took advantage of the fantastic new facilities; three activities were offered - a session in the Games Hall, the Climbing Wall and using the moveable floor in the pool allowed an exciting Water Polo match to take place in a suitable depth of water. The youngsters were impeccably behaved and were more than willing to take on a range of new challenges and were a credit to the school" said Tony.

"On a wider point, we are constantly reminded in the media about obesity and other health issues our young people face; we are dependent on people in the community becoming involved in the project - this doesn't mean that you have to possess any specific skills - Active Schools staff can help with support, training and equipment.  I would be delighted to put people in touch with their local Active Schools Co-ordinator if they contact me on 01851 707458”