Llanelli AM Lee Waters has praised Pembrey School for getting pupils to run a mile a day as part of national efforts to get children walking, jogging or running for 15 minutes each day.
The AM joined children of all ages as they ran around the sports field, supervised by the leader of the school’s Dragon Sports Club, Mr Edwards.
Lee Waters AM said:
“The children had great fun on their first Daily Mile and I think it is terrific that the school are getting behind it.
“We saw from research by the British Heart Foundation last week that 42% of people in Wales are physically inactive and that’s storing up problems for their health, and for the NHS in years to come.
“The great thing about this fun initiative is that it sets good habits at a young age.”
After the event, the AM took a tour of the school with Headteacher Mrs Jacob and learned about Pembrey’s Eco Platinum status, before co-judging a flowerpot design competition with Incredible Edibles Carmarthenshire volunteer, Marie Turk.
Headteacher Mrs Jacob said:
“We are all very grateful for Lee’s participation in our Daily Mile launch, and for taking on the tricky task of judging the flowerpot competition.
“As a school, we think it’s important to provide pupils with the opportunity to engage in physical activity.
“We have a very well-attended running club, and following on from our Platinum Eco status, we hold eco days throughout the year for the children to get involved in environmental activities such as planting and growing. The great thing about the daily mile is that children can do it at their own pace so that everyone is included”
Welsh Government Ministers last month wrote to Headteachers across the country to encourage them to take up The Daily Mile.
Minister for Public Health Rebecca Evans said:
”We want to ensure children across Wales are fit for life. Creating more fun opportunities for young people to get moving is key to ensuring they achieve the recommended 60 minutes a day of physical activity.
“Engaging with The Daily Mile will support primary schools to implement the new curriculum, which puts a focus on making physical activity a more routine part of the school day.”
