Press release                                                                                           1.2.12

Hearts will be jumping in playgrounds across the country this April, as the Irish Heart Foundation’s annual ‘Skipathon’ gears up to take local schools by storm. Thousands of primary school children armed with skipping ropes, will hop their way to a healthier heart, whilst raising vital funds for the Irish Heart Foundation’s children’s programmes.

Hundreds of primary schools nationwide will take part in the annual event from 23-27 April. Participating skippers will be hoping for local support and sponsorship as they join together with their classmates to jump high for happier hearts nationwide. 

Not only will the children have an extra bounce to their step, but enjoying physical activity early in life is crucial for the development of healthy lifestyle habits, a vital future defence against heart disease.

Maureen Mulvihill, Head of Health Promotion at the Irish Heart Foundation says: “Children and young people need to be active for at least 60 minutes every day for their health. A great way to develop active habits is by getting back to basics in the playground. Our Skipathon has been promoting easy and fun physical activity in schools for the past 28 years. At a time when 25% of nine years olds are either overweight or obese, it’s never been more important to be active. We’re hoping children across the country will pick up their skipping ropes this April and hop their way to a healthier heart.”  

Over 600 schools took part in last year’s Skipathon and the charity hopes that the numbers will be even greater this year. Every participating child that raises money will receive a prize and has the chance to enter the Skipathon rhyme competition, with the winner taking home a trip to EuroDisney Paris and the runners-up receiving a BMX Burner with helmet.

Skipathon raises vital funds for the Irish Heart Foundation, making a significant contribution to the funding of our schools’ health promotion programmes such as Action for Life, Bizzy Breaks and Get Kids on the Go. In addition, each school receives 10% of the funds raised for their own school projects. The Irish Heart Foundation is 90% funded by public donations.
Schools can register for this year’s Skipathon and get their free coordinator pack by visiting

www.irishheart.ie/skipathon

ENDS

Media queries to:

Ceri Teggin, Communications Assistant, Irish Heart Foundation
Direct line: 01-6346917 Main switch: 01-6685001 cteggin@irishheart.ie