Latest Daily Mile Track was installed at Whitefriars School with a special visit from Olympic Athlete Nethaneel Michell-Blake
13 schools in Harrow now boast a Daily Mile track to help increase physical activity levels. GB Olympic Sprinter Nethaneel Michell-Blake made a visit to see the latest installation at a school in Harrow.
On Friday 15 March, the track was officially unveiled at Whitefriars school. Nethaneel spoke to a crowd of more than 600 pupils about the importance of physical activity. He then led an official ribbon cutting ceremony with two aspiring athletes at the school, Lewis and Amelia, before leading a lap around the track for all children.
The Daily Mile is a physical activity initiative whereby children walk, wheel, jog or run outside in the fresh air for 15 minutes. It aims to help children meet the physical activity guidelines of 60 minutes per day, as well as improve their fitness, mood, concentration and behaviour in class.
Carole Furlong, Director of Public Health at the London Borough of Harrow said:
“It is great to see how successful the Daily Mile is in Harrow. So many schools are taking this up to improve physical activity. It brings many benefits to both pupils and the school. It was a bonus to have an Olympian visit the borough as Whitefriars have theirs installed. We hope it inspired young people to be active and live happier and heathier lives.”
Whitefriars; St Bernadette's; Roxeth; Earlsmead; and Weald Rise primary schools are the latest to have the Daily Mile track installed. The scheme is funded by Public Health.
Mr Vekaria, Headteacher of Whitefriars School said:
“I was overwhelmed with the Daily Mile opening ceremony. All our children learnt so much and I know the positive impact the Daily Mile is having on our children’s physical and mental health. It is a privilege to have a high calibre Olympic Athlete visit our school. We are grateful for this initiative not just in our school, but across Harrow to improve the wellbeing of all our children in the community.”
In the decade since the Daily Mile first started, it has gone global. More than 20,000 schools across 96 countries take part. In Harrow, at least 37 schools and 5 early years settings are registered.
If your school has been inspired by this event, you can take part in the upcoming TCS Mini London Marathon in Schools between 15 April – 10 May.