Spearwood kids’ heartfelt jump

by Brooke Jackson

May 9, 2008

THREE Fremantle Dockers were on hand at Phoenix Primary School in Spearwood on May 9 to help the school’s kids mark Jump Rope for Heart Day by taking part in a Guinness World Record breaking attempt.

In celebrating Jump Rope for Heart’s 25^th birthday, the Dockers and kids joined in a nationwide jump-off that aimed to beat the world record held by the United Kingdom of 7,632 people skipping at the same time.

Dockers Paul Haselby, Dean Solomon and Marcus Drum encouraged the kids, as they skipped for three minutes to the Village People’s YMCA.

“Your arms and legs might be hurting but we must stay strong!” Haselby chided.

Haselby further goaded the youngsters in the gruelling 30-second home stretch by yelling “screw your guts up!”

The Heart Foundation arranged event helps kids learn the importance of heart health. More than 55,000 kids nationwide, and 4000 statewide, participate.

Phoenix principal Tim Cremin said his students had been doing a “magnificent” amount of training in preparation for the day, and the staff had been a “wonderful” support in preaching a message of health and fitness. More than 55,000 children throughout Australia participate.

“We’re very happy to be involved in such a fantastically colourful day and be part of the Guinness Book of Records,” Mr Cremin said. “Today is a gala day for us.”