Hundreds of pupils in Reading have been set a challenge by the Council to get fitter, healthier and improve their lifestyle.
The Reading Schools Health Challenge has been launched this week, with St Anne’s, Upcroft and Geoffrey Field primary schools all signed up to take part in the 8-week programme.
The Council’s Sport Reading Development Team has devised the programme which is similar to its popular Healthy Workplace Challenge aimed at businesses in Reading.
The challenge for Reading school pupils comprises of a physical activity challenge ‘Swim the Thames’ and also a healthy eating challenge ‘Go H2O’.
For the Swim the Thames Challenge, children will aim to swim part of the River Thames, but in the comfort of their local pool. Each child, class and schools can record how far they have swum using log cards and posters.
On completing the challenge, every young person will receive a certificate with prizes presented to the top 30 swimmers at each school.
Go H2O, encourages children to drink the recommended amount of water every day, both at school and at home. Individuals, classes and the school records how much water they have drunk by colouring in log cards and posters.
The top 30 Reading pupils who have been the most successful in staying hydrated, receive Change4Life water bottles. Every youngster who takes part will receive a certificate.
Graeme Hoskin, Lead Councillor for Reading Culture and Sport, said: "This is a brilliant idea and I’m sure will be a big success. The health of our town’s children is, in my opinion, the most important issue we deal with and this is part of a wide range of initiatives by the council to encourage more sport, exercise and healthy eating amongst Reading’s young people."
In addition to these challenges, the Sport Reading Development Team has offered each school an 8-week Sport Unlimited course, a 3-week Bike-ability course and a 4-week structure play programme.
Reading’s new schools health challenge will be discussed at the Council’s Sports Development Forum, taking place on Tuesday, November 24th at the Civic Centre. The meeting starts at 6.30pm.
Reading Borough Council
