Press Release: Tower Hamlets kids go the extra mile

Tower Hamlets’ school children took part in a ‘The Daily Mile celebration event’ on Tuesday 20 March at Mile End stadium.


The Daily Mile is an initiative that encourages children of all ages and abilities to run or jog for 15 minutes, every day, to improve their physical, social, emotional and mental health and wellbeing.

It has been implemented across over 2,000 schools in the United Kingdom, and in over 3,100 schools worldwide. Tower Hamlets schools have the highest uptake among the London Boroughs, with 26 schools taking part in The Daily Mile.

Approximately 900 children from over 17 schools ran or jogged for 15 minutes on the track of Mile End stadium, then collected their medals and certificates.

Chief Executive of Tower Hamlets Council, Will Tuckley, also ran The Daily Mile. Twice. He said: “It was fantastic to get out in the fresh air and on the race track with the children. Exercise is so important for children’s mental and physical health.”

“Over half the primary schools in the borough have brought The Daily Mile into their school day and teachers have said what a good effect it has on helping children concentrate on their school work. It also helps the children feel good about themselves for achieving that mile.”

Elaine Wyllie, founder of The Daily Mile and former primary school Headteacher said: “Today has been a fantastic celebration of The Daily Mile in Tower Hamlets, with almost 900 children from across the borough taking part.”

“Tower Hamlets has really hit the ground running, with the highest number of registered Daily Mile schools in London. It’s fantastic to see such cross-sectional support for schools to adopt The Daily Mile in the borough, working to encourage all their children to be healthy, active and fit for life.”

Also running and handing out medals and certificates were:

  • Cllr Danny Hassell
  • Sir Sam Everington, local GP and Chair of the Tower Hamlets CCG
  • Dr Somen Banerjee, Director of Public Health

The children completed their run in their school uniforms and at their own pace. They were joined by some teachers, school and council colleagues.

Children’s fitness levels and cardiovascular systems have developed as a result of participating in The Daily Mile. Teachers are reporting improved concentration levels in the classroom immediately after The Daily Mile and in some cases, improvements in behaviour.

ENDS.

 

For media enquiries, please contact The Daily Mile Foundation’s Media Agency, Media Zoo on (+44)207 384 6980, at Joseph@mediazoo.tv