Rhythmic patter of little feet

Primary students at Illawarra Christian School’s Tongarra Campus are among the 30,000 students in Australia who last week attempted to break the Guinness World record for the most people skipping at the same time.

This event was held in celebration of the Jump Rope for Heart’s 25th Birthday celebrations, during which more than eight million Australian school children raised more than $65 million to help the Heart Foundation.

Illawarra Christian School’s Helen Lunn said that as well as helping a worthy cause, the event has had a positive impact on the school.

“It has increased the physical activity of the children who practised during recess and lunch and at home during the lead-up to the event,” she said. “It has also encouraged more families to spend time together as parents, and siblings practiced in the playground, too.”

Ms Lunn said the event had given the teachers an opportunity to talk to the students about the importance of leading a healthy, active lifestyle.

The school will encourage the students to continue participating in physical activity even though the Jump Rope for Heart is over.

“They can start practising for next year,” Ms Lunn said.