Safe Routes to School: Pep Rally October 5th

Join Decatur Active Living on the Old Courthouse Square on Tuesday, October 5th from 5:30 until 7 pm for the International Walk to School Day Pep Rally!  Children will have the opportunity to make posters to carry with them for Walk or Roll to School Day on Wednesday, October 6th. There will be also be drawings for some fun prizes.

Why walk or roll to school?  Here are some facts from The President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition:

• In 1999-2002, 16 percent of children and teens aged six to 19 were overweight, triple the proportion in 1980. An additional 15 percent of children in the same age group are considered at-risk for becoming overweight.
• School and workplace programs have been shown to be successful in increasing physical activity levels.
• One quarter of U.S. children spend four hours or more watching television daily.
• Encouraging moderate and vigorous physical activity among youth is important. Because children spend most of their time in school, the type and amount of physical activity encouraged in schools is important.

For more physical activity facts, visit: www.fitness.gov/resources_factsheet.htm.

Hope to see you on the Square on Tuesday, or walking with a group of children on Wednesday.