NGUNNAWAL Primary School was awarded the highest fundraisers in the ACT for its participation in the Heart Foundation’s, Jump Rope for Heart program. 

ACT Heart Foundation CEO, Tony Stubbs says: “The school raised an impressive total of $16,199.83, which is the highest amount ever raised by an ACT school in the program’s history.”

The finale for the program will involve more than 600 children skipping in its Jump Off Day, this week.

Ngunnawal Primary School principal, Kristine Stewart says: “The students are proud of their fundraising efforts, knowing that the money will be used to fight heart disease for the Heart Foundation.”

“[The] school is committed to supporting our students to be more physically active. Through Jump Rope for Heart students learn that being active can be great fun and hopefully keep the healthy habits they learn through the program with them for life.”

One in four Canberra children are overweight or obese and more than 80 per cent are not active enough. Skipping is a physical activity that requires few resources and can be continued outside of school.

Stubbs says: “The program is uniquely positioned to educate families, school communities and students about the importance of keeping their hearts healthy through regular physical activity and balanced nutrition.”

Since the program started in 1983, more than 95 per cent of all Australian schools, involving over eight million school children have taken part.