Speeches

Remarks by Governor Judy Martz
Walk to School Day
Governor's Residence - Helena, Montana
October 2, 2001

Check Against Delivery

Thank you for joining me this morning as we kick off Helena's Walk to School Day. I'm excited to join you in a walking school bus to Jefferson School this morning.

It is great to see so many parents here this morning. You play such a key role in your child's education - both in and out of school. By joining your children this morning you are helping them to develop a healthy lifestyle in a safe manner.

Walk to School Day was established in 1997 to encourage parents to teach their children about pedestrian safety, and for all of us to gain an understanding of the difficulties our children face on their walks to school.

Children in the United States are more inactive today than ever before, according to reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Our kids' free time is increasingly filled with activities such as watching TV, playing computer games, or surfing the Internet, rather than playing baseball, or soccer… or speed skating.

Public health officials agree that all Americans should exercise at least 30 minutes a day to reduce the risk of chronic disease and early death. And kids should get an extra 20 minutes of exercise each day. So, this Walk To School Day is great for our kids, but it is beneficial for adults, too.

A brisk walk tops the CDC's list of recommendations for healthy exercise.

By walking to school, your children can gain valuable exercise time, while getting the fresh air that is so needed for active learning in school.

In addition, you as parents can teach your children how to cross streets, and how to select the safest route to school.

I want to thank a number of groups who have made this day possible, including the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, the Lewis and Clark City-County Health Department, the Montana Department of Transportation, the City of Helena, the Helena Police Department, Alternative Energy Resources Organization, Helena Downtown Business Improvement District, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Montana.

It is my understanding that the city of Helena has even declared today as Helena's Walk To School Day.

We are glad to have the support of Helena in this event, because communities play a key role in making sure the streets are safe and accessible for our students to walk to school.

Representative Gallik and Senator Waterman, who are here this morning, will be joining a Walking School Bus to Smith School.

Thanks again to all of you who serve as leaders in your schools, and who have joined your children in this Walking School Bus. I sincerely hope that you will continue to take this opportunity to join your children in developing healthy lifestyles.

At this time, I would like to introduce Police Chief Troy McGee, who will discuss how you, as parents, can help to ensure your child's safety as they walk or ride their bikes to school.

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