WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 09, 2009; CASTRIES, Saint Lucia – Forty schools took part in the second annual jump rope festival which was held on Wednesday December 09 at the Vigie Sports Complex.

It was an increase of ten schools over the thirty schools which took part in the first festival last year at the same venue.

Thirty-five primary schools and five secondary schools with an average of fifteen students per school made the Complex a hive of activity, excitement, as the students exhibited a high degree of skill, innovative moves, and coordination which left many with jaws hanging open in amazement.

One of the students from the Babonneau Primary School, and is physically challenged, was as good as any other student on the day. His skill levels are amazing, and surprised all as he moved in time to the beat of the drum by a teacher of the school.

Additionally there were the chanting in Creole by students, bringing back memories of the games kids use to play on evenings as the skip or jump rope on the streets in their communities, or in the yards of their homes or that f their friends.

According to Claudia JnBaptiste, the Sports for All Coordinator, it was the first time the secondary schools participated.

She was very impressed with the skill levels of the students along with the enthusiasm shown by the teachers; a factor which would help in developing jump rope in the schools as part of the schools’ curriculum.

Jump rope is a cheap activity in that all that is needed is a piece of rope and a spot for the student to practice, yet having fun at the same time.

“This I think should be included as part of the physical education curriculum,” Ms JnBaptiste added.  “The teacher, who is teaching a sports concept, can use jump rope as a warm up activity to get the students to learn another simple and fun-fill way to warm up.”

She said that persons are aware that the jump rope can be used in many different ways, and the benefits are tremendous especially in reducing the possibilities of heart complications. (Robertson S. Henry)