To celebrate the 2008 Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Australian Sports Commission has provided all children participating in the Active After-school Communities (AASC) program’s Journey to Beijing campaign a pedometer so that they can tally their steps and ‘walk’ to Beijing.

More than 800 students from Attunga, Bendemeer, Hillvue, Nemingha, Werris Creek, Tamworth West, Somerton, Westdale, Calrossy Anglican, Oxley Vale, Black Mountain, Chandler, Glen Innes West Infants, Tingha, Boggabilla, Boomi, Gunnedah South, Minimbah and Toomelah primary schools, GS Kidd Special School and East Tamworth Year Round Care are taking part.

Paul Sortwell, Principal at Toomelah Public School believes the ‘Journey to Beijing’ initiative will add value to the already successful after-school activities, stating, “Our students are really excited about walking to Beijing! It is wonderful that we can take a world event like the Olympics and Paralympics and use it to motivate children to get active and encourage fair play and teamwork”.

“The Olympic Spirit is all about getting people together and participating and that’s what the AASC program has done at our school.” Mr Sortwell added.

ASC Regional Coordinators for the New England/North West region, Justin Hathway and Kate Dubois, say that 672 schools and out of school hour care services across New South Wales have been keenly anticipating getting their pedometersand starting the fun.

“The Olympic and Paralympic Games inspire people of all backgrounds. It captivates children’s imagination by watching, thinking and talking about sport and motivates them to get out there and be active.” Ms Dubois added.

The AASC program is an Australian Government initiative run by the Australian Sports Commission. The program is free for primary school children and encourages them to become more physically active and enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

For more information on the AASC program visit ausport.gov.au/aasc