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Jump Rope For Heart and Hoops For Heart are national programs jointly sponsored by the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) and the American Heart Association.

AAHPERD and AHA



A Case for Jump Rope and Hoops For Heart


By: Kathy Kent

South Carolina State Coordinator for JRFH/HFH

 

In these uncertain economic times, many schools are deciding against various programs which may include Jump Rope or Hoops For Heart events. There are many reasons for schools to drop a program, but sometimes it takes one person to step up and speak out about the importance of continuing a worthwhile project. Sometimes, it takes an advocate! 

 

The synonyms of an advocate are: supporter, backer, promoter, campaigner, sponsor, activist, and believer. Being an advocate may mean going before your school administrators, your PTA, or SIC (School Improvement Council) and presenting a case for Jump Rope or Hoops For Heart. How do I know? I faced this same dilemma at a school where I previously taught. There was a decision made by the PTA to stop any fundraiser that did not benefit the school directly such as, Jump Rope For Heart. However, my school continued to sell candy, magazines, cookie dough, wrapping paper, "you name it," and having suppers, carnivals, raffles, etc., etc.…to help support the programs of the school. All well and good, but parents, grandparents, relatives, friends, and neighbors were hit in the pocketbook almost every month with another school fundraiser. So why would they want to give to The American Heart Association? Because it is a good thing to do!

 

Because of my strong belief in a purpose of Jump Rope For Heart, I knew I had to speak up, and let my voice be heard at the PTA Board meeting. (I knew my students always looked forward to and learned so much from our Jump Rope for Heart events.) When I put together my case for Jump Rope For Heart, I knew I would a one-person-advocate so my case had to be very solid! I started my presentation by asking, "How many people in the room knows someone who has had a heart attack or stroke?" (Nearly everyone raised his/her hand). Then I proceeded to give my top reasons for Jump Rope For Heart:

 

  1. Heart disease and strokes are the number one and number three killers of Americans.
  2. Nearly 40% of all deaths in SC are the related to heart disease.
  3. Pacemakers, improved CPR techniques, AED technology, and other life saving devices are the results of JRFH/HFH contributions for heart research to the American Heart Association.
  4. JRFH/HFH aligns with National Health and Physical Education Standards.
  5. Students learn the importance of character traits of empathy, caring, volunteering, and helping others.
  6. Adults have the opportunity to make a donation in memory or honor of someone they love who has suffered from heart disease.
  7. Heart health education can make a difference in the lives and health of our children. (AHA research states that if current trends of obesity and inactivity continue, this generation of children will not live as long as their parents.)
  8. JRFH/HFH supports the professional development of Health and Physical Education teachers through the American and South Carolina Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.
  9. JRFH/HFH helps buy equipment for the school's Health and Physical Education programs.
  10. Jump Rope For Heart is a tradition that children remember as a highlight of their school experience.
  11. JRFH/HFH events are educational, character building, and fun.

I rested my case at the meeting by saying, "All children at our school will be included in the heart health lessons and jump activities in P.E., and their decision to give a donation would be their family's choice. And, I don't think any fundraiser in our school can do all these things or benefit our children more. There are some things that a donation can do that money can't buy."

 

I won the case that year and the students, parents, and community contributed over $6,000! I had to present my "case" again and again as PTA officers and administrators changed over the years. And, I'm proud to say I developed a reputation as an advocate...a supporter, backer, promoter, campaigner, sponsor, activist, and believer in Jump Rope and Hoops For Heart!