Young mayor wants to make Leeds lead the way in keeping healthy
Published on: 15th November 2011
A pupil from Strawberry Fields Primary School has been announced as the next Leeds Children’s Mayor.
Joe Smith, 10, submitted a manifesto called ‘When It Comes To Keeping Kidz Active - Leeds Leads', which looked at ideas on how to keep children and young people in the city healthy to win the competition.
Joe’s idea of creating ‘kids zones’ in public gyms got the highest number of votes out of the ten manifestos submitted from children across the city. This year, well over 3,000 votes were cast via the Breeze website and Leeds Learning Network.
Joe’s manifesto looked at the idea of installing kids zones in gyms with exactly the same equipment as the adult’s gym but smaller and specially built for the children. Each piece of equipment would have interactive games built in to make keeping fit more fun and to keep kids interested in exercise.
The young finalists met with the Lord Mayor on Thursday 10 November to present their manifestos and to hear the announcement of the winner.
As part of his prize, Joe will accompany the Lord Mayor to the switching on of the Leeds Christmas Lights. He will also have the chance to present his manifesto at a full council meeting in January 2012 amongst many other duties he will be involved with over the next year.
Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Reverend Alan Taylor said:
“Joe’s submission really took note of a number of key priorities for the city. He has understood the need to look after young people’s health and to keep them interested in maintaining their fitness levels.
“I am sure Joe will enjoy the light switch on tonight, and no doubt take on his mayoral duties extremely well.
“As part of Leeds becoming a child friendly city, Joe will take on an important role as an ambassador for young people across the city.”
For a video of Joe Smith presenting his winning manifesto please visit: http://newsfeed.leedsvirtualnewsroom.co.uk/2011/11/young-mayor-wants-to-make-leeds-lead.html
