Wednesday, October 2, is set for the sixth annual “Walk to School Day” in the Brockport Central School District. A similar event takes place that day in 40 countries, involving millions of children, parents, and community leaders. Organized internationally since 1997, it is a celebration and promotion of the many benefits of walking or biking to school to improve the health and well-being of children. The event is supported in the states and communities by the National Center for Safe Routes to School. Here, it is organized by Brockport’s Walk to School Committee.
Dr. Jim Goetz founded Brockport’s walk in 2006 and it has been held every year since. He was and remains greatly concerned about the increase in the number of children and teens who are overweight. “Between 25 and 30 percent of children and adolescents in the U.S. are overweight,” Dr. Goetz said. He affirmed, “The two primary causes are unhealthy eating and inactivity.” The October 2 event is intended to demonstrate the fun and fitness benefits of walking and to encourage students to walk to school on a regular basis.”
Goetz currently is a pediatrician at Oak Orchard Health and has been the Brockport School District Medical Director since 1993. He has organized the walking event each year. “We want the kids to say, ‘This is fun, can we do this again tomorrow or next week?’ ”
All BCSD students are encouraged to walk to school on Wednesday, October 2. The elementary and middle school class with the highest percentage of walkers will be presented with a trophy/plaque. Water and selfie stations will be set up on campus by Brockport’s PTSA. Participants can stop at one of these stations to capture the fun and share photos on social media using #walk2bcsd2019 BCSD. Apples, donated by local farms, will also be available for walkers.
Community volunteers will be stationed on and near campus to encourage and guide the students. Younger students must walk with an adult. Families wishing to participate but live too far away may walk from Bill Gray’s or Our Village Optician. Those walking from Our Village Optician are asked to park in the lot across from the Brockport Diner.
Please note all schools begin on time, and students should not be dropped off early. Students should enter through their school’s main door at their normal start time to ensure they are counted.
“This is a true community event,” Dr. Goetz said, naming support from Brockport Kiwanis Club, Brockport Lions Club, the Harsch Crisp Seaman American Legion Post 379, plus Kalir, Sodoma, and Robb farms. Also supporting the event are Tim Horton’s, Brockport Central School District, The College at Brockport, and Oak Orchard Health.
“Enjoy the benefits of walking to school and walking your child to school on Wednesday, October 2,” Dr. Goetz said. “You will have a great time and improve your health as well!”
(Note: Thanks to Tricia Croce, Communication Specialist, Brockport Central Schools, for the information on procedures for the day and for the photo. DH).
