06 November 2024
Another successful Education Minister’s Running Challenge has reached the finish line, with more participation than ever before.
More than 9,500 students from 564 schools took part in this year’s challenge which ran from July to September.
A total of 2,611,008 minutes of exercise was logged by students and staff, and enough combined kilometres to run around Australia 9 times.
Xavier from Good Shepherd Catholic School - Lockridge was among the challenge winners.
The annual challenge encourages students to engage in physical activity and develop a healthy and active lifestyle to enhance their mental health and learning.
This year’s challenge had an Olympic flair to coincide with the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, with challenge ambassador and Australian Hockey player Amy Lawton offering support for runners.
Students got stuck into exercise, logging activities like running, walking and wheeling.
This year, more than 200 passionate staff members stepped forward as challenge captains to promote the program and encourage participation at their school.
A presentation event was held today at Parliament House to acknowledge and reward the top schools and individual students who participated in the challenge.
"Whether running, walking, or wheeling, every movement counted, and I am so proud of how WA students, schools and communities embraced the challenge,” said Education Minister Dr Tony Buti.
Students from Deanmore Primary School, Anzac Terrace Primary School, Southern River College, Hillarys Primary School, and Belridge Secondary Education Support Centre were named individual prize winners for their efforts, while Good Shepherd Catholic School - Lockridge and Belridge Secondary Education Support Centre took out their respective schools category.
Ahead of the presentation event, the top 100 participating student runners, walkers, or wheelers also received a medal for their dedication to the challenge and induction into the 100 Club.