FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Members of the Northern Arizona University football and track and field teams got an early start to their Wednesday by assisting with local efforts with International Walk to School Day.

Representatives from the football team coordinated a cheer at the starting point of the walk at Mark Grace Field, where they were joined by other volunteers including campus groups like the ROTC and a sorority.

The kids walked with volunteers from the field to Kinsey Elementary School where they were greeted and given prizes for participating. The football and track student-athletes also helped pass out the prizes at the school.

Since 1997, communities around the U.S. have been celebrating Walk to School Day. Around the globe, International Walk to School Month brings together more than 40 countries in recognition of the common interest in walking to school. In its twelfth year, U.S. participation reached a record high with more than 2,800 events from all fifty states and the District of Columbia registering in 2008.