Students from St Luke’s Anglican School are gearing up to represent Australia at the Skipping World Championships in Japan. James, along with his classmates Dominic and Freya, will be showcasing their skipping skills on the global stage. The St Luke Leapers, a competitive skipping club, have rapidly grown in popularity since their inception just six years ago.
James, originally from South Africa, recalls his initial struggles with skipping but persevered to master the art over time. The school’s skipping program, initially a casual session, evolved into a powerhouse club under the guidance of coach Hayley Russo and mentor Luke Boon, a multiple world titleholder.
Competitive skipping, often likened to a blend of athletics, gymnastics, and figure skating, demands precision and skill. The Australian team, comprising 141 athletes, will be accompanied by three coaches and parents, all set to compete at the championships in Japan. Dominic, one of the students, expresses confidence in the team’s capabilities, supported by their experienced coach and mentors.
The Heart Foundation’s Jump Rope for Heart initiative has been instrumental in introducing skipping to children across Australia. Elizabeth Calleja, a senior advisor at the Heart Foundation, emphasizes the importance of physical activity for children’s overall well-being and development. Skipping not only promotes fitness but also enhances cognitive abilities and motor skills.
Hayley Russo highlights the accessibility and fun nature of skipping, making it an ideal activity for children of all ages. The program’s success at St Luke’s Anglican School has led to the hosting of state championships in Bundaberg for the first time, signaling the sport’s growing popularity beyond metropolitan areas.
Luke Boon’s annual visits to the school have not only honed the students’ skipping skills but also fostered a love for the sport. Witnessing the students’ enthusiasm and talent, Mr. Boon commends their dedication and eagerness to learn, underscoring the vast potential within the school’s skipping community.
As the students gear up for the Skipping World Championships, the anticipation and excitement are palpable. The journey from a lunchtime activity to a competitive club with international representation showcases the transformative power of sports programs in schools. Through skipping, these students are not only honing their physical abilities but also cultivating teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship.