Posted: 08/05/09
College taking steps towards a healthier future
Staff and students at West Nottinghamshire College will be taking steps towards a healthy lifestyle this month.
The College is celebrating the national ‘Walk to School Week’ campaign from 18 -22 May by staging a series of healthy and fun events to encourage staff and students to walk more for a healthier, greener lifestyle.
Rachael Evans, Sport Development Co-ordinator, and Billie-Jo Woodiwiss, Sustainability and Environmental Co-ordinator, are putting together an exciting programme of events which includes staff and students taking part in the mid-week ‘Walk To West Notts Wednesday’.
Rachael said: “We want as many people as possible to think about walking to College that day, as a way of getting their fitness levels into gear for spring and to help them see the benefits of walking for their general health and well-being.
“Walking can be a great social activity too – walking with friends you can easily clock up the miles and the weather is perfect now to get out and about. I am keen to see lots of people walking to College that day and I will be doing my bit by walking 11 miles from Mapperley which means I will need to leave home at around 4am!”
Billie-Jo Woodiwiss, Sustainability and Environmental Co-ordinator recognises the other benefits of walking as she works on the College’s travel plan. She said: “Walk Week is an ideal time for us to remind people of just how easy it can be for them to walk to the College and leave the car at home. Lots of people are sole car users which we are aiming to reduce as we urge people to think of greener and cleaner ways of getting to College.
“The events in store during Walk Week will give people a fresh outlook on how beneficial walking activities are not only for their health, but for the environment.”
Activities such as a spooky ghost walk will take place on the Derby Road fields on Tuesday (19th) and the College’s Health, Safety and Welfare team will be on hand for people to check their body mass index and well-being. Fact cards will be issued to inform people about the benefits of walking.
A prize competition is taking place all week to encourage teams of students and staff to notch up the most steps during the week with pedometers available to keep track of steps taken.
