Walking Bus meets Football All Stars

Oceanic All Star player Christian Karembeu (left with yellow vest) and WSB Regional Co-ordinator ARTA Sue Kendall (on right in yellow vest).

Children travelling by one of Auckland’s highly popular Walking School Buses to attend the ‘School Day – LA Galaxy and Oceania Training’ at Mt Smart recently got an exciting treat, as players from the Oceania All Stars team jumped aboard and participated as volunteers.

A special Walking School Bus (WSB) route from Penrose Station to Mt Smart was organised for the school’s event in collaborative effort between the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA), the Auckland Regional Council and Auckland City Council with the support of the Oceania Football Confederation.

Over 300 children were ‘on-board’ with 20 adult volunteers in addition to the Oceania All Stars players.

Sue Kendall, ARTA’s WSB co-ordinator said “It’s absolutely fantastic that the players took the time to participate in the WSB with the children and show just how fun it can be to get involved as a volunteer in the programme.

“It’s a great example to set parents, grandparents, friends and other relatives considering getting involved in the scheme, and obviously it is extremely exciting for the kids to meet some of their soccer heroes.

“The WSB is a great programme as it gets children out in the fresh air and gives them a sense of independence although they are part of a team.”

Players from the Oceania All Stars squad such as Christian Karembeu, Ivan Vicelich, Mark
Bosnich and Edgar Davids volunteered to meet and walk with the children following the training session, which was aptly held on International Volunteer Day 2008.

Ms Kendall says volunteers are always being sought for the programme, particularly men to encourage male role models for the children.

The WSB is an award-winning active transport programme which has taught children (and their parents) the pleasures of walking to school again, increasing physical and mental health and taking a total of 1900 cars off Auckland’s roads during the busy morning peak.

There are currently 259 WSB routes operating throughout the region, involving over 4700 children and supported by over 2000 parent volunteers.