How does your innovation currently get kids (or how might it get kids) engaged in physical activity? How would your idea or project potentially be implemented during the school day?
Jump rope is a fun and accessible activity for youth. I’ve seen the most inactive, unenthused students become excited and involved, eager to try one of the many styles of jumping (see videos). One World One Rope gets these kids engaged through a phased program. First are performances at schools, social institutions and centers for street children. The performances expose children to the vast possibilities that jump rope has to offer, and help to raise a level of excitement about the sport. Next are the teaching sessions, often with an adult coach or helper from the institution. Finally, for advanced jumpers, national and multi-national competitions are held. Concurrently, the adults are taught techniques and rules to ensure the sustainability of the program. It is essential to have a committed coach or facilitator who is able to coordinate practice schedules, provide a facility, and train and motivate children throughout the year. Return visits to each school and center keep the level of enthusiasm high, and allow for more advanced instruction. The jump rope program can be introduced both during the day as part of physical education curriculum, or after school as an extracurricular activity.
How many children does this program currently or plan to serve? How much time does each child spend daily/weekly engaged in physical activity? (150 words max)
In Tanzania (Morogoro, Iringa, and Moshi) and Kenya (Mombasa), 1,628 children attended demonstrations, with 434 of those receiving additional instruction, during a three week period in January 2009, all with a single instructor. One World One Rope has returned to East Africa, taught in Dar es Salaam and Morogoro in September and October, and will soon travel to Iringa, Moshi, and Mwanza in Tanzania, and Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu and Mombasa in Kenya, with additional instructors in select locations. See map: http://www.oneworldonerope.org/about/large_map.html. A multi-national competition in Mombasa, including workshops, is scheduled for July 2010. At least 10,000 children will be exposed to the sport during the school year ending July 2010. Following these patterns, and with enough on-the-ground dedication and support, every child in Georgia can be reached. Typical participation is 2 hours a day, three days a week. Jump rope is a great way to fight obesity in Georgia, and get children involved in positive physical activity.
Tell us the story behind the social innovator. (150 words max)
Jump rope has been a central focus in Mike's life from the time he picked up his first rope at age 10, and became a member of the Heartbeats Jump Rope Team. He was soon competing in regional and national events. In October 2001, at age 15, Mike jumped with Team USA at the World Championships in Seoul, South Korea. He has competed in every sanctioned World Championship since then, and has taught jump rope in Korea, Australia, South Africa, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus and British Virgin Islands. He is now working to see jump rope recognized as an Olympic sport. Each ensuing year has fed his desire not just to excel, but to share the sport with others. Mike's ultimate aim: to provide new opportunities for participants to experience success, develop healthy lifestyles, increase social ties, and take on roles of leadership and responsibility within their communities.
