St Malachy’s lead the way in Translink Travel Challenge

Translink, TIDY Northern Ireland and Eco-Schools are asking Newry primary schools to get involved in the Translink Eco-Schools Travel Challenge that monitors pupil travel patterns over a 4-week period.

Pupils and parents are being encouraged to move away from private car use and instead adopt more environmentally-friendly travel modes such as walking, cycling, bus and train travel.

St Malachy’s PS has already started the challenge and also recently enjoyed a special school trip to learn more about bus and rail travel. The Challenge assists schools in achieving the prestigious and internationally recognised Eco-Schools Green Flag Award.

Translink’s Lynda Shannon says there are many other benefits for those taking part. “Sustainable travel, including passenger transport, has a big role to play in reducing local carbon emissions. It is therefore important that we instil the value of more sustainable lifestyles amongst children from an early age. Walking and cycling to school or even walking to your nearest bus stop or train station also helps children achieve the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity; helping to maintain a healthy weight, boost the immune system and promote self-esteem.”

“We are asking schools to register their participation at www.translink.co.uk/ecoschools where have provided a range of engaging online resources including Key Stage 1 & 2 activity sheets. Translink will also provide special travel prizes to the top performing schools and pupils in this year’s challenge,” said Lynda.

Carmel Fyfe, Eco-Schools Manager, TIDY Northern Ireland, commented “We are delighted to work with Translink on the Travel Challenge appeal and would encourage all primary schools to participate. The Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for pupils and parents to adopt more eco-friendly travel habits while learning more about the impact of travel choices on environmental sustainability.

For further information on the Translink Eco-Schools Travel Challenge or to register school participation click www.translink.co.uk/ecoschools. Schools are required to start the travel challenge by April 23.

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Posted by Declan McAteer on Apr 9 2012. Filed under Community. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry