Holley keeps ambitious jump-roping goal to benefit Heart Association
Photos by Kristina Gabalski: Rene Bibaud gets ready for her performance/presentation to Holley Elementary students Friday morning.
Four-year-old Lucas, a member of the Holley Central Pre-K class, promises to maintain a positive attitude before “Double Dutch” jumping.
HOLLEY – Five-time world jump rope champion, ESPN commentator, and former Cirque du Soleil performer Rene Bibaud wowed students at Holley Elementary School Friday morning with her jump-roping skills during a high-energy, interactive assembly to kick off the school’s annual Jump Rope for Heart event.
This is the school’s 33rd year participating in the program to benefit the American Heart Association.
Holley Central School has raised more than $251,000 during that time. Last year, nearly $7,750 dollars was raised, and this year’s goal is $8,000.
Bibaud told students she became interested in jump roping in fifth grade, after a jump roping team visited her elementary school.
“I have been jump roping for 37 years,” she told students. “It is a wonderful way to have fun and be active.”
Bibaud lives in Seattle, Wa., and owns her own company called Ropeworks, which shares the benefits of jump roping.
Robyn Swan, director of Youth Markets for the American Heart Association in the Buffalo-Niagara Region, also spoke to students during the assembly about how their efforts help young people with sick hearts and about heart-healthy habits.
The school will hold its Jump Rope For Heart family event Saturday morning at the intermediate gym in the Elementary School from 9 to 11 a.m. Registration begins at 8:30 am.
Bibaud will be attending to share more of her skills with participants.
Teachers were not left out of the fun. Sixth grade teacher Mrs. Melanie Montague did a “Double Dutch” jump.
Banners from previous Jump Rope for Heart events are displayed in the hall of Holley Elementary School.
Bibaud had no trouble finding volunteers from a throng of enthusiastic students.
Robyn Swan presented this year’s orange Jump Rope for Heart banner to students.
