Britannia International, part of The Co-operative Bank, is once again sponsoring the Manx Skipping Challenge, organised by the Health Improvement Team at the Department of Health.  Primary schools can enter teams who then create and perform their own routine to a piece of music.  The Challenge culminates in an exciting event, The Celebration of Skipping, which takes place on Friday 22 June at the National Sports Centre.

Special guests on the day will be the Jump Rope UK team, who will be entertaining the crowds at the London Olympics later in the summer.  These jump rope athletes train rigorously to perform an amazing set of routines including freestyle tricks, single and partner skipping, speed and double-dutch.  The team will also be visiting local schools in the days before the event to help the children perfect their routines ahead of the big day.  The team says: “Jump rope teaches endurance and strength, agility and rhythm, balance, co-ordination, focus and patience.  It’s great for general fitness.”

Managing Director of Britannia International, Mark Beresford, comments: “We are very pleased to sponsor the Celebration of Skipping event as part of our commitment to supporting young people on the Isle of Man.  It was a terrific success last year, attracting a lot of interest from local primary schools, and it was great to see so many children being active and enjoying performing their impressive routines.”
Michelle Poyzer, Senior Health Improvement Officer at the Public Health Directorate, is working with staff and children at Island schools to promote the Skipping Challenge.  She comments: “We are delighted that Britannia International is supporting this event again in 2012; the bank’s sponsorship means we can fund the provision of skipping ropes and equipment to schools.   Children who may not take an active role in other sports are getting fitter, learning how to be part of a team and enjoying performing in public.  We hope that this year’s event will be the biggest and best yet!”

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