By Casey Neill
A personal news bulletin from Peter Hitchener helped Lighthouse Christian College to launch the Premier’s Active April program.
The Channel Nine news presenter and Active April ambassador hosted the event at the Keysborough school on Wednesday 21 March.
About 700 students packed the auditorium to hear from Hitch and fellow ambassadors, impersonator Ben Price, Hawthorn Football Club player Luke Breust and Collingwood netballer Sharni Layton.
The kids sat with their sports house groups – Wesley Warriors, Luther Knights and Ten Boom Titans – to build team spirit and took part in physical activities to win prizes.
The school presented Mr Hitchener with a trophy to mark his 45th year at Channel Nine.
He told the students that he tried to get to the gym most days.
“The idea of Active April is for every one of us to do what we can to get 30 minutes of exercise a day,” he said.
He suggested walking or riding a bike to school.
“Thirty minutes a day is all you have to do,” he said.
Mr Hitchener said this would make a difference to not only individual health, but community health and connectivity.
“A school community like this is a perfect place for Active April to take hold,” he said.
Mr Breust said urged the students to find a physical activity they enjoyed.
“For me it was always having a football in my hands growing up,” he said.
“All those hours that put in from your age help you to reach that elite level.
“Being active and being out there with your family and friends, one, it keeps you healthy and two, it keeps your mind fresh.”
Ms Layton said that as a kid, she just loved getting out there with her friends.
“When you’re doing the fun stuff it doesn’t feel like you’re exercising,” she said.
“When you are active you have so much more energy for when you’re at school.”
Active April ambassador Peter Hitchener
Active April Ambassador Ben Price
