[Press Release] : International Walk to School Day

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Chris Walthall 
Community Program Coordinator 
The PedNet Coalition
(573) 999-2814, chris at pednet.org 

International Walk to School Day 

COLUMBIA, MO (Date) - Columbia students and parents are encouraged to
join millions of families around the world to walk to school on
“International Walk to School (IWTS) Day” Wednesday, October 3.
IWTS Day is an opportunity to encourage physical activity; reduce
traffic congestion, pollution and speed near schools; reduce crime; and
mobilize communities to work together to create safe routes.

Fourteen schools have signed up to participate this year:

Grant Elementary

Russell Elementary

Ridgeway Elementary

West Boulevard Elementary

Fairview Elementary 

Lee Elementary

Blue Ridge Elementary

Shepard Elementary

Paxton Keeley Elementary

Field Elementary

Mill Creek Elementary

Two-Mile Prairie Elementary

Columbia Catholic (5th grade only)

Good Shepherd Lutheran

These schools are all organizing a special walk to school or at school,
depending upon their location. Additionally, they are providing a
healthy snack for students. Members of the Active Living by Design
Partnership will be joining some of these groups in walking, they
include:

Todd Messenger, Safe Routes to School Coordinator, Missouri Department
of Transportation

Nick Boren, Chief Operations Officer, Columbia Public Schools

Jill Bacon and Debbie Portell, We’re Playing Your Song


All elementary schools have received “Walk to School” resource
packs-call your child’s school to find out if they are organizing a
walk to school event, or simply walk your child to school on Wednesday.

Community events such as this go a long way in supporting Columbia’s
federally funded $22 million PedNet Project. When a community provides
the infrastructure to allow individuals to get out biking, walking and
wheeling in their neighborhoods, more people will benefit positively by
improving their health, reducing crime and helping the environment, thus
increasing the desire for proper infrastructure.

The Active Living by Design project of the PedNet Coalition and
Columbia/Boone County Health Department sponsors this event. Go to the
International Walk to School website at www.iwalktoschool.org for more
information.

-30-

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