Children across Canberra are being given the opportunity to skip weekend boredom by taking part in a free six-week fun and fitness program.
Designed for eight to 12-year-olds, Skipping for Healthy Hearts will take place each Saturday until September 30, at five locations across the region: Gungahlin, Belconnen, City, Woden, and Tuggeranong.
Each week, skippers will join a one-hour session to learn basic and advanced skipping skills. The program, which is being rolled out by the Heart Foundation in association with Skipping Australia, has the backing of the ACT Government.
Minister for Sport and Recreation Yvette Berry attended the first event recently.
“I looked forward to having a skip with the kids. Skipping for Healthy Hearts is a fun way to get children out in the fresh air and moving.
“The program promotes healthy hearts and minds and aligns with the ACT Government’s vision to get all Canberrans moving through sport and active recreation.
“The ACT Government has committed $100,000 a year for three years to the program to encourage kids to get active and promote skipping as a sport option in the capital,” Minister Berry said.
Heart Foundation ACT General Manager Clare Sullivan said skipping is a fun and exciting activity, making it an ideal way to get your kid’s heart pumping and active.
“Our free program is the perfect way for your kids to enjoy themselves, stay active, and improve their heart health. Not only does skipping promote physical health, but it also helps to boost mood and mental wellbeing,” she said.
“The program is designed to teach kids the fundamentals of skipping and to encourage them to make physical activity a regular part of their lives. Our free training and equipment ensure that all kids can participate, regardless of experience or skill level. They simply show up and skip.
“Skipping is not just a fun childhood pastime, it’s also a great way to improve heart health. By encouraging your kids to skip, you’re helping them to strengthen their heart muscles, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of heart disease later in life.”
Ms Sullivan said participants would also be given the opportunity to see how far they’ve come, with group leaders conducting pre and post program fitness tests.
Register for Skipping for Healthy Hearts here.
