Elementary students from Wells watch the performance of the South Bristol Spindrifters, Maine’s statewide demonstration team for the American Heart Association Jump Rope for Heart Program, on Wednesday.
The visits to Wells Elementary and Gorham Elementary were only two of 10 visits the group has made so far this school year.
For more than 35 years, Jump Rope for Heart has raised more than $818 million in the fight against heart disease and stroke.
Gary Urey, youth marketing director and Jump Rope for Heart coordinator for the past 12 years, said millions of students have jumped rope while learning about heart health and how nutrition and physical activity can help prevent heart disease and stroke.
“Over 178 schools across the U.S. are participating this year,” he said. “It’s amazing to watch these kids learn new skills with the jump ropes and perform for other students and realize that they are doing this not only for their health, but to help other people who may not be as fortunate.
“We talk a lot about, and share in our classes about, how we keep our heart healthy, how we want to in the future as adults – we as a community – prepare a team and come together.”
In 2015, Wells-Ogunquit was number one in the school division and number one in the state of Maine in terms of fundraising for AHA by raising $17,900. It’s going into its 30th year of participation.
Liz Giles-Brown, the team’s coach and teacher of the Jump Rope for Heart group, said that regardless of performance perfection, the group’s main goal is raising money for the AHA.
“One thing you’re going to notice is that once in a while, they miss – but they just get back up and start going again,” said Giles-Brown to the crowd of students at Wells Elementary. “That’s just a great lesson in life, especially for you guys. We’re here to get you all excited about all the things they can do with a jump rope.”
She explained to the students how important it is to exercise regularly. Engaging in physical activity for 60 minutes a day “gets your heart a little stronger, so it will last a little longer,” she said.
As the show began, participating students jumped rope in a variety of styles and performed impressive tricks. Their routines involved helping one another and encouraging each other.
At one point, two students strolled across the gymnasium riding unicycles and began jump roping at the same time.
“This cause is truly incredible,” said Wells Elementary School physical education teacher Kathy Calo, who was recently named Jump Rope for Heart Coordinator of the Year by AHA. “We really teach our students how to keep their hearts healthy and teach them how to keep doing that as adults. It’s really a great event.”
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
