100 students for National Skip to my Lou- Jump Rope Team championship

The Ministry of Social Cohesion on Friday launched the 2017 National Skip-to-my-Lou Jump Rope Team championships, which are scheduled for Thursday, 28th September, 2017 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in Georgetown from 10:00 hours to 16:00 hours.
This year, the championship will target 50 primary and 50 secondary school students from eight educational districts across Guyana. Each school team will comprise five (5) jumpers who can participate in various events according to competition rules.
The competition will take the format of Individual Freestyle, Individual Single Rope/Double Dutch Teams, and Last Man Standing.
Jump Rope (Skipping) is a physical activity that has experienced a great deal of growth in the school system since its introduction to Guyana through the Trinidad and Tobago Alliance for Sport and Physical Education in 2010.
Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton, in his address pointed, out, “There is no doubt about the fact that this competition has numerous benefits, one of which is the fostering of social cohesion. Participants will be able to develop better interpersonal skills through interaction with others from various educational districts. At the same time, the competition will allow for the students to engage in team-building.”
The Minister further maintained that the fostering of social cohesion through this competition will go beyond the students; as parents, teachers, sponsors, members of communities and other Government ministries will partner to ensure its success.
Participants will be given the opportunity to improve their level of skipping skills, geared towards international competitions.
He also revealed that Guyana could soon see a federation in place. “It is our aim to very soon have a well established National Jump Rope Federation in Guyana. With such a body in place, we will have jumpers to participate at world class competitions, such as the Pan-American Jump Rope Competitions and the International Double Dutch League.”
He continued: “It keeps youth gainfully occupied while cultivating them into well-rounded individuals. A greater level of competitiveness and sportsmanship as a country is also an intended result of the championships.”
Stakeholders play an integral role, and Minister Norton was keen to point this out.
“The successful hosting of this year’s championships will not be possible without the support of various stakeholders, who will play an integral role,” he said.
Among the stakeholders are the participating schools, Skip-to-My-Lou organisers, National Sports Commission, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Public Health, Public Telecommunication Ministry, and sponsors.
He expressed gratitude to Banks DIH Limited for coming on board, as he pointed out that they fulfil their corporate social responsibility.