An incredible 12,000 young Devonians and their families are taking part in a lockdown skipping challenge to keep active and healthy.
Devon School Games Organisers, working with Active Devon, have been stunned by the number of participants taking part and inundated with requests for free skipping ropes. Nearly 7,000 were sent out as part of the National School Games programme.
The event runs throughout the Spring term and offers young people and families the opportunity to compete against themselves and others whilst maintaining social distancing.
The challenge is suitable to do at home, in a backyard, garden or at school. It gives an opportunity to virtually team up with classmates, represent a school and compete against other youngsters from across Devon.
Many schools are using the skipping challenge as a fun and engaging way to help rebuild their pupil’s physical, social, and emotional wellbeing both now and when they all return to school.
“Over the last 12 months we have organised many virtual events as part of the Devon School Games,” said Lisa Alford from Active Devon.
“All of them have been popular but this skipping challenge has really captured the imagination.
“For example, Clyst St Mary Primary, a village school just outside Exeter, had 100 skipping ropes donated to them by a parent who is a big skipping fan!
“I suspect most homes have a skipping rope stored away ready for a new lease of life. It’s great for the youngsters, but we’ve had some great feedback from mums and dads who’ve joined in.”
Many of those taking part have shared their experience using a special Devon School Games facebook group and through twitter @SGDevon – #DevonVirtualGames
See a selection of comments below:
“We have been skipping every day for 10 mins. We were hopeless when we started, but now we can skip for 5 mins without stopping hundreds of times.”
“We have really enjoyed skipping as a family. It’s had some very funny moments and has got us away from screens and talking. Thank you for helping us try something different to the usual walking or running.”
“A week ago I couldn’t skip, so I owe you massive thanks for the challenge and the skipping rope.”
“Our rope has arrived, thank you! Isla was very happy to start practicing the different jumps.”
“We now realise that we are a family of unbelievably bad skipping techniques. Amelia (8) has nearly decapitated the cat and Dave the Dog wants to eat the ropes. Maddison (5) has managed 2 skips, which is the best out of us all!”
The skipping challenge continues until Friday 26th March and there’s still plenty of time to find your rope and start skipping!
More details about how to get involved can be found at www.activedevon.org/school-games/
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