Skipathon events are taking place in primary schools nationwide to raise funds for the Irish Heart Foundation

The Irish Heart Foundation has today (Wednesday 8th May) launched its annual schools-based fundraising campaign, Skipathon, in a bid to raise funds and encourage more school children to be active.

The campaign was launched by RTÉ sports journalist and presenter Evanne Ní Chuilinn, who is encouraging schools to hold a Skipathon event as part of their Active School Week or any time throughout the school year.

The Irish Heart Foundation is proud to support Active School Week 2019 which this year takes place from Tuesday 07 to Friday 10 May.

Established in 1984, Skipathon is a fun schools-based fundraising and physical activity campaign that has been inspiring Irish children to keep active for 35 years.

A low level of physical activity is a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke, so the Irish Heart Foundation want to inject some fun into the school day and Active School Week is an ideal time to get children skipping.

Speaking at the launch of Skipathon at St. Patrick’s Boys’ National School, Hollypark, in Blackrock, Co Dublin, Evanne Ní Chuilinn said, “Growing up, I loved getting involved in all types of physical activity; from gymnastics and camogie to swimming and tennis. I remember skipping as a child with my friends – it’s such a fun and accessible activity for children of all ages and a great way for them to get active. Skipathon is a fun way for kids to get out of the classroom and enjoy physical activity while learning how to make a difference and supporting the work done by the Irish Heart Foundation.”

Ruth Guy, Commercial Director, Irish Heart Foundation said, “We are appealing to primary schools across Ireland to support Skipathon this year and raise vital funds for the Irish Heart Foundation. Skipping is a fun activity for children of all fitness levels. To ensure your Skipathon is a huge success, your packs include lesson plans, skipping ropes and activities and tips. Childhood obesity levels are increasing in Ireland and present a very real threat to children’s health and wellbeing. By holding a Skipathon during Active School Week or at any time during the year, you can encourage your pupils to get active and start learning healthy habits for life.’

The Irish Heart Foundation is asking schools to hold a Skipathon event where pupils take on a day of skipping games and skipping challenges all while raising vital funds.

Funds raised by schools through Skipathon will go towards the Irish Heart Foundation schools’ programmes such as Y-Path ‘PE 4 ME’, Action for Life and Bizzy Breaks.

All participating schools will receive a free Skipathon pack which includes skipping ropes, a Skipathon brochure, sponsorship cards and lots of skipping games ideas.

To register your school for Skipathon online, receive help and advice on how to organise a Skipathon and how to fundraise, please visit www.irishheart.ie/skipathon or call Laura Quinn on Tel: 01 668 5001.