Gymnastics South Africa handed over the first Rope Skipping in a Box to Shukumani Primary School in Thembisa on April 15.
It formed part of the Skipnation initiative aimed at getting learners active again and it was launched in partnership with the National Department of Sports, Arts and Culture.
Rope Skipping in a Box contains all the resources that schools must implement in all primary and secondary schools to implement basic education and fitness classes.
Shukumani Primary School was one of the schools to receive one of the thirty boxes that were distributed to schools across Gauteng, including a roll-out of the Gymnastics SA safeguarding programme, under an accord concluded with the Gauteng Department for Sport and Recreation.
Donovan Jurgens, president of Gymnastics SA said, “It is much more than a set of videos and skills charts. We have the opportunity to change the lives of school learners. We can effectively create healthy lifestyles by participating regularly in your children’s physical activity.
“We develop participants holistically through these resources.
“There are not only a few actions in resources. To succeed and to gain advantages, participants must regularly and punctually participate in the practice.
“If they are to compete at national and provincial level, then transport and clothing funds may have to be raised. In other words, you teach learners valuable life skills such as discipline, resilience, planning, setting objectives and organization through Rope Skipping in a box,” Jurgens added.
As part of the Skipnation roll-out, Gymnastics SA also announced the launch of a new rope skipping competition.
Skipnation Rope Skipping Challenge will be open to all schools in South Africa, as well as the general public.
“Through the Skipnation competition, we are creating an opportunity for learners and the broader community to exercise with a purpose. To have a goal is important, and to try and achieve that goal is crucial. With Skipnation we’re encouraging everyone to pick up a skipping rope wherever you are and participate,” said Jurgens.
The first Skipnation challenge will be a virtual competition in which participants from all over South Africa will compete in a simple 30-second speed race. The competition kicks off on May 17 and entries for the first round can be sent to Gymnastics SA.
Participants must send a timed sprint, with winners in different categories being announced.
Visit gymnasticssa.co.za for more information on Skipnation.
