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Kids warm up for winter on their way to school!

Look out for more children walking and biking to school during May as more than 30 local schools take part in Sport Manawatu’s iMove programme.

The initiative encourages active transport (walking, biking or scootering) to and from school and is run twice a year by Sport Manawatu for participating schools in the Horowhenua, Tararua and Manawatu.

Sport Manawatu’s active transport coordinator, Suzanne Winterburn, says the programme helps to build confidence, road skills and independence.

“iMove is about teaching kids and parents how to incoprorate activity into their day. An increase in active transport also means less congestion around the school gate.”

“Safety is a big focus and everyone that is taking part in iMove recieves a bright yellow high-visiblity vest, this is particularly important for those who choose to cycle to school.”

“This term I really want to encourage parents to get walking or cycling with their kids, even if the weather isn’t great, pop on a coat or some gumboots and turn up at the school gate with your iMove card.”

Mrs Winterburn says the structure of the programme is very simple; each time parents and children make an active transport trip to school, they get their iMove cards stamped. When their cards are completed, they go into the draw to win transport related prizes such as scooters and helmets.

Currently there are 28 primary schools and five early childhood schools signed up for the programme.

To learn more about iMove please click here or contact Sport Manawatu.