Wicky Bear Proves a Success for Walk to School Week with Brightkidz
Wicksteed Park’s much-loved mascot, Wicky Bear, met up with over 60 pupils, parents and teachers on their walk to Compass Primary Academy – arranged by Brightkidz social enterprise.
Kettering-based Brightkidz promotes safe, active travel for children, and organised the fun initiative to celebrate UK-wide ‘Walk to School Week’ and spread the message to families to ditch the car on journeys to and from school.
As part of Brightkidz’ week-long celebrations, Wicky Bear met up with the crowd during their 15-minute route to the Kettering school on Tuesday 21st May.
Brightkidz founder, Alison Holland said: “Compass is one of the Kettering schools we’ve been working with on our Brightkidz ST:EPS project, to enable them to promote active travel and healthy living all year round. We’re delighted that they took the opportunity to hook into national Walk to School Week, as we’ve really been able to shout about why families should ditch the car. The children were so excited when they were greeted by their favourite local character on their walk to school too – adding even more fun to the message that walking to school makes kids more active and helps them develop independence and road safety skills. It was also a great opportunity for two Kettering social enterprises – Brightkidz and Wicksteed Park – to collaborate together for the benefit of local people.”
Some of the inspiring comments from children:
Alfie, aged 6 said: “It’s been the best walk to school ever.”
Faith, aged 6 said: “I love walking to school because it keeps me healthy.”
Maisy aged 7 said: “Walking to school is good exercise.”
Oliver, 8: “It’s been great fun walking to school and seeing Wicky.”
Rebecca Holmes Assistant Principal at Compass Primary added: “We are really keen to get more of our pupils actively travelling to school for their own health benefits and to reduce traffic in the local community. Our work with Brightkidz has only just begun but we have been so pleased with how the ‘Walk to School’ event went, and we can’t wait to continue our work on the Brightkidz ST:EPS project which will open up even more fun opportunities for our children.”
The support from Wicksteed Park at the event is the start of more collaborative work with Brightkidz to encourage more local families to lead healthy, active lifestyles. The event was also supported by Peach Marketing, Kettering.
Walk to School Week is run by UK charity, Living Streets. Another walk to school event with Wicky Bear will take place at Grange Primary Academy on Friday 24th May.
For information on opportunities for Kettering or Corby schools to get involved please get in touch with Brightwayz at: info@brightwayz.co.uk