Aitkenvale children receive vital safety messages before summer holidays

This Friday (12 December), Aitkenvale State School will host the final presentation of the Spinal Education Awareness Team (SEAT) for 2008. SEAT presenter Scott Stidston will share his story and vital injury prevention messages with 430 children from Prep to Year Seven that will help keep them safe during the school holidays and beyond.

Nearly 70,000 children at more than 400 Queensland schools have seen a SEAT presentation this year, a 10% increase from last year.

“There is currently no cure for a spinal cord injury which is why the SEAT program is vital in educating future generations about practicing safe behaviour,” Scott said.

“Throughout my 16 years as a presenter, I have spoken to thousands of children in North Queensland about simple safety measures that can help keep them safe over a lifetime: checking the depth of the water before diving in, wearing a bike helmet, playing sports fairly, wearing a seatbelt and to always swim between the flags at the beach.

“By sharing my story of how I sustained a spinal cord injury and how it has affected my life, I hope to motivate students to think about the consequences of their actions.”

Spinal Injuries Association CEO Mark Henley said the power of SEAT was its presenters.

“More than 1.2 million children have now seen SEAT and it can only get bigger and better from here as our team has grown to 16 presenters throughout Queensland,” Mr Henley said.

SEAT bookings are now being taken for the 2009 school year by phoning (07) 3391 2044 or email seat@spinal.com.auThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Issued 8 December 2008.