INVERCLYDE Academy Get Active For ‘Workout For Water’ Day

INVERCLYDE Academy got right behind the UNICEF World Children’s Day Workout Out for Water taking part in the school’s first cyclathon and mass participation cha cha slide.

The challenge of covering 500 kilometres was laid down and the staff and pupils took it up with enthusiasm. 

Three stationary bikes were set up in the hub area of the school with pupils and staff taking turns over the course of the day, including interval and lunch, to add to the total. 

By 8.30am, Paul Murray, principal teacher of art, had covered 25 kilometres and Paul Crosby, principal teacher of social subjects, had managed a respectable seven kilometres.

The First and Third Year girls’ PE classes added to the total by using the recumbent bikes in the fitness suite, managing 24 kilometres and 48 kilometres respectively. 

By the end of day the target had been completely smashed with a total distance of 550 kilometres cycled by 130 people.

The last 15 minutes were used to allow pupils to participate in a Better Movers and Thinkers workout at their teacher’s discretion. 

Meanwhile, the whole of First Year and a few older pupils plus members of staff gathered in the hub area to participate in a mass cha cha slide dance, led by Kris Allen of the PE department.

The atmosphere around the school was fantastic, especially as the Sixth Year fund-raising committee were also raising funds by having activities and a bake sale in support of Children in Need.

The events were organised by the staff of the PE department and principal teacher for GIRFEC (Getting It Right For Every Child), Candice Leckie. 

The effort was held to highlight the United Nations Children’s Rights Charter Article 24 “Every child has the right to the best possible health. Governments must work to provide good quality health care, clean water, nutritious food and a clean environment” — and UNICEF’s Global Goal of clean water and sanitation for all.