Future leaders skip their way to healthier hearts

Media Release
14.06.10

Future leaders skip their way to healthier hearts

News of fine weather this week has thrilled a group of Wellington’s future leaders who are gearing up to attend an interscholastic Jump Rope for Heart Learning Development Day with the Heart Foundation.

Jump Rope for Heart is the Heart Foundation’s physical activity fundraising programme for schools and this year it celebrates 25 years of developing heart healthy children.

Since 1985 the iconic programme has taught more than 1.5million kiwi kids how to skip, keep active and love their hearts.

It is provided to schools free of charge and children are encouraged to participate in a ‘personal skipping challenge’ which includes a sponsor-driven fundraising component.

The programme is fully non-profit and all funds raised go to the Heart Foundation, to further its work in New Zealand schools.

Jump Rope for Heart Manager Ali Northridge says the Learning Development Day workshops are designed to show students “the ropes” so they can champion the movement for heart health among their peers.

“Over three days more than 300 children from 62 schools will learn the variety of Jump Rope moves and will participate in nutrition education sessions to reinforce the links between healthy eating, exercise and a healthy heart.”

“We are confident that the programme we have planned will inspire these future leaders and empower them to take these important messages back to their school and community to promote the importance of staying fit and well in life.”

Ali says the longevity of Jump Rope for Heart is testament to how simple and effective the programme is.

“Skipping is and always has been a fun activity for school children as well as an excellent form of exercise and a great means for developing coordination skills.”

“It plays an important role in teaching school children valuable lifelong skills by delivering the message that exercise is part and parcel of our everyday lives.”

The programme is constantly evolving and today, 25 years since it first launched, remains as popular as ever with students, parents and teachers.

The programme is run by the Heart Foundation - a not-for-profit, non-government organisation that funds research and promotes heart health in order stop New Zealanders dying prematurely from heart disease.

To celebrate 25 years of Jump Rope for Heart, schools can opt to receive a 25% rebate of the total funds raised during their sponsored 2010 Skip-a-thon challenge to continue to grow heart healthy initiatives within their school.

Jump Rope For Heart Learning and Development Days
15th June WalterNash Stadium 9.30am – 2.30pm
16th June Te Rauparaha Arena 9.30am – 2.30pm
17th June Wellington Basketball Stadium 9.30am – 2.30pm

ENDS

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