Anthony inspires through exercise

From left-right: Nicole Moloney, Anthony Moloney, Discovery School Principal Carmen Jennings, Movin'March Lead Teacher Claire Gubb.

One ten-year-old local is making permanent lifestyle changes thanks to the Movin'March initiative which wrapped up last week.

Anthony Moloney of Discovery School in Porirua is sharing his story in the hopes that it will inspire other children to be active and make healthy choices.

"I don't like the way that I look and feel so I have been working really hard, making better choices in the food that I eat and getting more exercise," Anthony says.

He was over the moon to learn he had won Jack's Favourite Friday photo competition run as part of the Movin'March programme.

The month-long initiative run by the Greater Wellington Regional Council in conjunction with other councils across the region encourages children to walk, cycle and scoot to school.

Thanks to Anthony's efforts during the moving month he is now the proud new owner of a high-spec Micro-Scooter - courtesy of Micro Scooters New Zealand.  

Anthony has been walking the one kilometre journey to Discovery School, with his younger brother Jacob, every day over the last month in an effort to become fit and healthy.

 "Every day since the beginning of the school year I have walked or scooted to school and home again."

The dedicated student says he can now see and feel changes in his body.

"My clothes are baggy where they used to be tight and I am faster to get home.

"It used to take me 45 minutes to walk home and now it takes me 20 minutes."

Anthony says he enjoyed the initiative and hopes that by carrying on the ideas of Movin'March he can inspire other children.

"Movin'March is really good and fun and something that I can do. It helps motivate lots of kids like me to go out and exercise and get nice fresh air in the morning.

"I hope that sharing my story will help and encourage other kids to be more active."

Greater Wellington Travel Choice Coordinator Kirsty Barr handed over the prize to Anthony last week and says she was delighted to see the benefits of this initiative paying off. 

Anthony was also part of a share your story competition where winners will be announced at the end of the month.