February 10, 2010 -  Today, Lakehead University Thunderwolves mascot, “Wolfie”, led the celebration of Ontario’s Winter Walk Day for schools by guiding a Walking School Bus throughout Ecole Gron Morgan Public School’s neighbourhood.  Students, parents, school board officials, and the Active & Safe Routes to School Committee joined “Wolfie” in challenging Thunder Bay elementary school students to Get Active & Walk to School.

Ontario’s Winter Walk Day is a province-wide event reminding students that winter is not a time to hibernate.  Instead, it’s a time to get outside and be aware of the many benefits of active transportation.  In Thunder Bay, schools from the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board and Lakehead Public School Board registered to participate in the event.  Ecole Gron Morgan Public School was randomly drawn to host today’s festivities.

Ashley Priem, parent of two Ecole Gron Morgan students explains, “We notice that when we walk with our children to or from school they feel happier and have more energy at the end of the day for our evening activities. Plus, we feel good knowing that we have decreased the level of emissions going into the air when we walk as a family.”

The positive benefits of daily physical activity on students’ health and academic performance are well documented.  Yet, despite the importance of walking to school, the number of students actually doing so continues to decline.  Even more worrisome is the fact that young people are now entering their adult lives with risk factors for “old-age” diseases. For children to grow up healthy, being active must be integrated into their daily lives. 

Adam Krupper, City of Thunder Bay Active Transportation Coordinator says, “This community is really embracing Active Transportation.  People are starting to realize that active kids are healthy kids.  What we need to do as a community is ask our municipal leaders to prioritize walking and biking infrastructure improvements, for families and for everyone.”

The Active & Safe Routes to School Committee is made up of representatives from the City of Thunder Bay, EcoSuperior, and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. Further information about Ontario’s Winter Walk Day can be found at www.saferoutestoschool.ca, under “walking programs.”

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