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Aberdeenshire Active Schools Christmas challenge aiming to reach North Pole


By Kyle Ritchie

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The Aberdeenshire Active Schools festive challenge has gone virtual and will see youngsters collectively walk the distance to the North Pole.

Aberdeenshire Council education and children’s services director Laurence Findlay and head of education Vincent Docherty have launched Step into Christmas.

They met Active Schools mascot Archie and manager Brian Mitchell to formally signal the start of the 2300-mile virtual walking challenge to the North Pole to deliver Archie’s letter to Santa.

As well as pupils, carers and families are also encouraged to help to collectively walk the distance to the North Pole. Schools will be encouraging participation in the challenge, which runs until Monday, December 14.

Active Schools Aberdeenshire mascot Archie the Stag with his letter to Santa. He is joined by (from left) Laurence Findlay, director of education and children services; Brian Mitchell, Active Schools manager; and Vincent Docherty, head of education.
Active Schools Aberdeenshire mascot Archie the Stag with his letter to Santa. He is joined by (from left) Laurence Findlay, director of education and children services; Brian Mitchell, Active Schools manager; and Vincent Docherty, head of education.

All kinds of walking can count towards the total including the daily mile at school; walking to and from school; a nature walk with their class and teacher or walking with family and pets.

Every week Active Schools Aberdeenshire will upload videos and information to its social media pages covering the progress of Archie’s letter.

Mr Findlay said: “We’re delighted to support our colleagues in Active Schools with their Step into Christmas challenge.

"We look forward to following Archie’s letter on its journey round schools in Aberdeenshire and in reaching the North Pole.”

Information on how to take part is available from Active Schools coordinators or by emailing lisa.logie@aberdeenshire.gov.uk where pictures of people taking part in the challenge can also be sent.


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