Jump Rope For Heart still skipping after 25 years

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford today officially launched the 25th anniversary of the Heart Foundation’s Jump Rope for Heart schools program at the Sherwood State School – the only school in Australia to remain part of the program since its inception.

Mr Welford said it was fitting that Jump Rope for Heart program would celebrate this milestone during the Year of Physical Activity in Queensland State Schools.

“Our Government is keen to promote health and physical fitness to school children as they need to be fit and healthy to learn,” Mr Welford said.

“That’s why we introduced Smart Moves – Physical Activity Programs in State Schools last year and nominated 2008 as the Year of Physical Activity.

“The Year of Physical Activity aims to increase awareness of the link between exercise and academic achievement and to further encourage teachers to include physical activity across the curriculum.”

Mr Welford said the Sherwood State School’s demonstration skipping team, the Sherwood Arrows, were able ambassadors for the Heart Foundation.

The Heart Foundation’s Jump Rope for Heart program was introduced into schools in 1983 to encourage children to become more physically active and teach them about the importance of having a healthy heart.

“The Heart Foundation has done a terrific job promoting fitness in schools with some eight million Australian children participating in this program since 1983 while raising some $60 million to fight heart disease,” Mr Welford said.

He said a survey of Queensland school children in 2006 showed that one in five was overweight or obese.

“International research has shown that as well as the physiological benefits, engaging in physical activity at school improves students’ educational outcomes, supports their personal development and promotes lifelong active lifestyles,” he said.

“Our Smart Moves initiative augments the Government’s Smart Choices strategy launched in 2006 to promote healthy food in school tuckshops.”

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000