Elementary kids, teachers, principals and mayors from across Idaho participated in the second annual Mayor’s School Walking Challenge. From Oct. 1-30, the High Five Children’s Health Collaborative, Idaho Dairy Council and St. Luke’s are challenging more than 20 city mayors in Idaho to walk and become health ambassadors.
“The city of Boise likes to partner with K-12 education initiatives,” said Boise Councilman T.J. Thomson.”Through policy action at the city level we can play a role to reduce childhood obesity, get kids more active and eating more nutrition.”
The Mayor’s School Walking Challenge is designed to improve children’s health by inspiring them to walk or run at school. Mayors act as role models for students and encourage participation throughout the city. Nearly 50 schools are registered to compete. Schools with the highest average number of miles per student will win $2,000 for physical activity or food service equipment. Mayors will track their miles and compete for $5,000 to donate to a park or school of their choice.
“The kids have a ton of energy and it’s fun to see the kids challenge each other to run more miles,” said Chris Ryan, the principal at Pierce Park Elementary School.
Olympic gold medalist Kristin Armstrong joined Pierce Park Elementary School students on Wednesday and challenged the kids to live a healthy lifestyle.
“You have to believe in yourself and believe in others,” Armstrong said. “It is about getting up every morning – have breakfast and move your body throughout the day.”
Twin Falls Mayor Don Hall joined students at Sawtooth Elementary and spoke to students about the importance of exercise and good nutrition.
Boise Mayor Dave Bieter plans to walk with students later this month.
The challenge is taking place in the Treasure Valley, Canyon, Magic Valley, Elmore, Payette, Blaine, Adams and Valley counties.
Participating schools
Acequia Elementary
Amity Elementary
Bickel Elementary
Carey Elementary
Central Elementary
Chief Joseph School of Arts
Crimson Point Elementary
Dietrich Elementary
Discovery Elementary
Eagle Hills Elementary
East Canyon Elementary
East Elementary
Endeavor Elementary
Ernest Hemingway Elementary
Fruitland Elementary
Gateway School of Language & Culture
Grace Jordan Elementary
Green Hurst Elementary
Green Leaf Academy
Hagerman Elementary
Harrison Elementary
Heritage Community Charter
Homedale Elementary
Horizon Elementary
Hunter Elementary
I. B. Perrine Elementary
Immanuel Lutheran
Iowa Elementary
Jefferson Elementary
Lake Hazel Elementary
Lewis & Clark Elementary
Liberty Elementary
Lincoln Elementary
Mary McPherson Elementary
Middleton Heights Elementary
Monroe Elementary
Nampa Christian Elementary
New Horizons Dual Language Elementary
New Plymouth Elementary
Oregon Trail Elementary
Pepper Ridge Elementary
Peregrine Elementary
Pierce Park Elementary
Ponderosa Elementary
Reed Elementary
Richfield Elementary
River Valley Elementary
Roosevelt Elementary
Sacajawea Elementary
Sawtooth Elementary
Siena Elementary
Silver Sage Elementary
Snake River Elementary
Star Elementary
St. Mary’s Catholic School
Summit Elementary
Valley View Elementary
West Elementary
Whitney Elementary
Whittier Elementary
Willow Creek Elementary
