The 2009 International Walk to School Day (IWALK) was a huge success, thanks to all the area schools and over 6,000 students that participated.

Not letting the rainy start to the morning dampen spirits, volunteers, Activate and Coalition staff, and school faculty prepared for the arrival of students and parents for this special event. Participants that showed up on this dreary day brought rays of sunshine with their smiling faces brightening everyone's day.  

The children were very excited to join in the global event that last year saw over 42 countries participate.  IWALK is a catalyst for ongoing efforts to increase walking throughout the year and to give a fresh look at pedestrian safety concerns.  IWALK challenges communities to make a permanent and healthy behavior change in children’s lives - healthy children lead to healthier adults.

This year’s event saw 14 schools from all over Martinsville and Henry County participate in some way or another.  Schools that could not participate in the actual walk to school event found other ways to bring the message to their students. Using their creativity, schools helped the children understand the importance of an active lifestyle.

Whether walking laps indoors in their gymnasium or walking laps around the track outdoors, the children did not mind giving up their play time to take a healthier approach and walk for a reason.

Children’s laughter could be heard as they were seen strolling along together, chatting and having fun walking with their friends.  Their smiles seemed never ending as they walked along enjoying the fresh morning air and the sunshine that began to peek through the trees.  Banners proudly displayed “International Walk to School Day” as students from different schools held them high as they walked.  Some of the children even took the time to make their own posters to carry with important messages they wanted to share with the public. 

Activate thanked all the schools, volunteers, parents and students for helping to make IWALK a lot of fun by providing small tokens ranging from hot cocoa to granola bars to specially made stickers in appreciation for their efforts.