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Put on your walking shoes and get ready to join in the fun of International Walk to School Day on the first Wednesday of October! This day is a great way for kids and adults alike to exercise and make a positive difference in their communities. It began over twenty years ago in 1997, as an effort to promote healthy habits, reduce traffic congestion around schools, and improve air quality. With its focus on health, safety, and environmental awareness, this event has grown into a worldwide celebration that encourages people of all ages to get out and walk. So what are you waiting for? Grab your walking buddy and join us for International Walk to School Day!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1997</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inception of the Event</div><div class='timeline-text'>International Walk to School Day was first established as a way to draw attention to the need for walk-friendly communities throughout the United States.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Expansion</div><div class='timeline-text'>By the year 2000, children, parents, teachers and community leaders from more than 40 countries joined in the celebration of walking to school.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Creating Greater Awareness</div><div class='timeline-text'>The initiative continued to grow, attracting more participants and media attention, further promoting the importance of pedestrian-friendly cities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Healthy Kids, Safer Streets</div><div class='timeline-text'>The event's focus shifted more towards improving kids' health and safety by reducing traffic congestion around schools.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Emphasis on Environment</div><div class='timeline-text'>The initiative highlighted the environmental benefits of walking, aiming to reduce carbon footprint by encouraging students and communities to walk more.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2021</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Walk Despite Pandemic</div><div class='timeline-text'>Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, many communities managed to kick off virtual walk events encouraging physical activity and community feeling during challenging times.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a walking group</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather up some friends and family and form a walking group. You'll stay safe, get some exercise, and have some fun.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Play sidewalk games</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a break during your walk and have some fun with sidewalk games. Games like hopscotch, foursquare, and jump rope are great ways to make walking to school more enjoyable.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Listen to music</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Make the walk to school more enjoyable by listening to some of your favorite songs. Put together a playlist that will get you energized for the day ahead.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Map out your route</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Explore the area around your home and map out the most interesting route for you to take when you walk to school. It will make the journey more exciting.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Take pictures</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>As you walk, take pictures of all the interesting things you see along the way. You'll be able to share your journey with friends and family.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes physical activity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Walking to school is a great way to get in some extra physical activity each day and build healthy habits. Plus, it's also a fun way to spend time with your family and friends!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It reduces traffic & pollution</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By walking rather than driving, you can reduce traffic congestion around schools as well as air pollution. This not only helps keep our environment cleaner, but it also helps make the streets safer for everyone!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It encourages mindful behavior</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Walking to school also provides an opportunity to practice mindfulness and be present in the moment. Take this time to appreciate your surroundings, observe the wildlife or take note of the variety of scenery. These are moments we often miss when driving in cars!</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The First International Walk to School Day involved Five Countries</h3><p class='facts-content'>While it is now celebrated globally, the first International Walk to School Day on 7 October 1997 was limited to Great Britain, Canada, the USA, and two additional countries.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>This Celebration is Also Known as "Walktober"</h3><p class='facts-content'>International Walk to School Day often extends for the whole month of October, earning it the nickname "Walktober."</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>It's Not Just About Health and Environment</h3><p class='facts-content'>While promotion of physical health and environmental sustainability are primary goals, the day also encourages social interaction and community building.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>It's a Day for Important Figures to Pitch In</h3><p class='facts-content'>Many schools and cities have local leaders, athletes or public figures participate on this day, offering speeches or walking with students to foster community spirit and awareness.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Event Occurs in Over 40 Countries</h3><p class='facts-content'>The International Walk to School Day has expanded globally since its inception, currently involving schools and children from over 40 different countries.</p></div></div>
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