IT has been dubbed a success by the organizer, as well over 1020 students representing a number of schools within District II took to the streets to send out a special message that walking and physical activity at an early age in life will keep one from falling in the diabetic and obesity bracket.
Camille Henry Memorial was the start and finish point for the event that was under the watchful eyes of two outriders from the Royal St.Lucia Police Force, the St. Lucia Red Cross, principals, teachers and the many parents who turned out to lend support to the young and aspiring walkers that made the 2 kilometre walk within the district look so easy despite the scotching heat.
District II Education Officer Martha Forster, spoke about the main reason behind this initiative: “Our district is an academic district. We observed that there are some reservations in physical activity. We haven’t excelled yet in the sporting arena. However, we are making great strides in improving that. We also recognize that to combat diseases such as juvenile diabetes and obesity, physical activity must be an integral part of the time table. So our students engage in physical education activities and we have 100% participation in sports”.
She continued: “We may not come out on the top, but we recognize the activity, that physical involvement, has its benefit on those diseases which I mentioned earlier. We are also combating those diseases by ensuring that our canteens are selling the correct foods. So we have moved away from soft drinks, the high sugary content sweets that the children like, the high sugary foods and we are going into healthier snacks”.
Foster said, “The schools are selling things like mini sausages, fruits and juices instead of the usual lollipops and soft drinks. We still have to set up some of these items but we encourage the children to consume everything in moderation”.
The District now looks towards preparation for the many Inter House Sports meets in the coming weeks.
