Daycare gives its community a boost to get active

A Dunedin daycare is encouraging the physical health of its families and staff by subsiding entries for the Surf to Stadium Fun Run and Walk.

Mini Thinkers will pay for its staff and subsidise families to take part in the March 15 event.

Of the 150 families, about 50 would be taking advantage of the subsidy, along with about 20 of the centre’s 24 staff.

Mini Thinkers curriculum manager Liz Mitchell said physical activity was an important part of what was encouraged at the daycare and the event was an opportunity for families and staff to come together.

"We like children to be active.

"It’s a community driven event, it’s really nice to get the parent community to join us."

Ready to take part in the Surf to Stadium Fun Run and Walk on March 15 are Mini Thinkers teachers (from left) Daniel Herbert, Liz Mitchell, Lisa Gustafson and Sarah Weddle, and pupils (from left) Freddie Campbell (3), Charlotte Lane (4), Jack Ager (4) and Stella Anderson (4). PHOTO: GERARD O’BRIEN

Families would be given T-shirts, a race pack and a picnic at the end of the 4km or 10km run or walk.

The centre’s move has been praised by Sport Otago.

Sport Otago business development manager Michael Smith said an increasing number of businesses were entering groups and said 16 teams had been entered by businesses.

"It’s great for workplace morale, it’s healthy, it’s something we’d love to see more of.