Scotland becomes World's first Daily Mile nation
Kids at Inverness primary mark the milestone by getting active with Public Health Minister
Scottish children have stepped their way into the history books as Scotland is confirmed as the world’s first Daily Mile Nation.
The Public Health Minister made the announcement as she visited Dalneigh Primary in Inverness.
Over 188,000 primary school children in Scotland are getting active for 15 minutes a day, with half of primary schools across all 32 Local Authorities signed up to the Daily Mile.
The initiative is proven to improve the wellbeing of children across the country, as part of wider efforts to improve overall health and reduce the pressure on the NHS over winter.
It was started in Stirling in 2012 it has grown every year - extending beyond schools into communities and workplaces and encouraging more people in Scotland to get on the move. Globally, there are now nearly 4 million children taking part in 16,000+ schools in 87 countries around the world, with Scotland leading the way, encouraging other countries to follow suit.
Founder Elaine Wyllie MBE, a former head teacher, said: “From one school in Stirling to Scotland to becoming a Daily Mile Nation, I am incredibly proud of all the schools, teachers and children that have helped us achieve this milestone and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them and our partners across Scotland.
“The Daily Mile was created by children which I truly believe is why it has been so successful and is now reaching nearly 4 million children around the world.”
The Daily Mile, supported by INEOS, began working in partnership with the Scottish Government in 2017, when it announced its ambition to become the first Daily Mile Nation.
The Scottish Football Association (Scottish FA) is backing the initiative using its extensive network of community clubs to promote the role of physical activity in health and wellbeing.
Scottish FA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell said: “The Scottish FA recognise the unique reach of football and the importance that physical activity can play in the health and wellbeing of children and young people in this country, and we are thrilled to support this initiative as Scotland becomes the world’s first Daily Mile Nation.
“Opportunities to exercise on and off the pitch should be available to everyone and through our network of community football clubs and local partners, we are ready to play our part and use the power of football to inspire the country to become more active.”