Double dutch, double unders and speed skipping – these kids can do it all.
Dozens of students from two schools and two skipping clubs battled it out in the state skipping championships at the weekend (June 3) at Arnolds Creek Primary School.
Pupils from Melton’s Xtreme club were up against Ararat West and Yea primary schools teams as well as Melbourne’s Skipz at last weekend’s skip off.
The pupils had been honing their skills this year as part of the Heart Foundation Jump Rope for Heart program.
Teams demonstrated a range of skipping skills across speed, team and freestyle events.
Xtreme coach Karen Calleja said the sport was getting more popular across the state.
“The sport has been around for about 25 years and we are continuously trying to build up skipping in Victoria,” Ms Calleja said.
Heart Foundation Victoria chief Kellie-Ann Jolly stressed the importance of exercise.
“With two in three Australian children aged between five and 11 years not meeting the recommended guidelines for one hour of moderate to vigorous exercise, it’s vital we get the hearts of young Australians pumping to guard against risk factors for heart disease,” Ms Jolly said.
“Skipping is a fun, vigorous and social activity that engages children’s minds and bodies in healthy activity.”
