Local children get up and go for it

Children in Ross and Cromarty will be given the opportunity to ‘Go for It’ and get fit in an initiative being supported by The Highland Council and Ross County Football club.

‘Go For It’ is an incentive scheme developed by the Council’s Road Safety Unit to encourage pupils to walk to and from school.

The aim of ‘Go For It’ is to help reduce the number of car trips made to school, reduce congestion, promote healthier and more active lifestyles, and help children develop important road awareness, by encouraging walking.

Children in Ross and Cromarty schools have been issued with a card which is stamped every time they walk to or from school.  On completion of the card, the children will receive a reward.

In Ross and Cromarty the scheme is being generously supported by Ross County Football Club, who will offer a free football ticket for one child and one adult for every completed card received. Ross County’s Head of Administration Ranald Gilbert said: “Encouraging children to make healthy lifestyle choices is such a worthwhile aim that we’re delighted to be able to back Highland Council in this initiative. We see it as an opportunity to give something back to the local community - which is the least we can do in return for all the support we receive, week in, week out.”

Coulhill Primary is just one of several Primary schools in the area that have now signed up to the scheme. Highland Council’s School Travel Coordinator, Ailsa Campbell, said: “The number of children walking to school has been declining steadily over the past 20 years. It is important that we re-address this problem and encourage children to take more active travel choices. By rewarding the children with a healthy, yet fun, activity, we hope that more children will see walking to school as a fun alternative to the car.”

For more information on ‘Go for It’, contact Ailsa Campbell, Highland Council’s School Travel Coordinator on 01463 702673, ailsa.campbell@highland.gov.uk

For further information please contact: Ailsa Campbell, School Travel Coordinator, The Highland Council, TEC Services, Integrated Transport Section, 3 Ardross Terrace, Inverness IV3 5NQ tel: 01463 702673.