Students at BPES are Learnin' the (Jump) Ropes

Broadalbin-Perth Elementary School students were treated to the American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge kick-off assembly to start their week on Monday, Feb. 3. This year's kick-off event featured Nick Woodard, a professional jump rope athlete from "Learnin' the Ropes." 

The assembly marked the start of the Kids Heart Challenge at BPES, which aims to raise awareness of how children can keep their hearts and brains healthy while raising funds to help kids with special hearts. The challenge continues throughout February. BPES families can visit the AHA Kids Heart Challenge website to register their children to participate in the challenge, with an opportunity to win prizes based on dollars raised.

The assembly generated excitement around the Kids Heart Challenge, as Woodard showcased his jump rope talents. Woodard and his wife Kaylee have performed across the globe at a variety of venues and events, including NBA games, Cirque Du Soleil, schools, and summer camps. On Monday at BPES, Woodard started his presentation with a variety of jump rope stunts while also offering messages of encouragement and support to students at BPES.

"The louder you are, the higher I jump," Woodard said. Students took the challenge to heart, filling the school's gymnasium with their cheers.

Woodard also called upon a few students to take the stage to practice their jump rope skills and show other students how it’s done. They were then taught how to do more complicated moves, like a jump rope push-up. After this, another group of students was invited to the floor to do double-dutch in front of the group. Students quickly caught on, making it look like an easy task. 

The assembly wrapped up with Woodard encouraging students to follow their passions and dreams while emphasizing that mastering anything takes time and practice.  

"What do you think it took to go from basic skills to professional?" Woodard asked. "Lots of years of practice, time, energy, skills. You saw a lot of skills today. Try, make mistakes, and ask questions to master that skill. It takes a lot of time — it takes never ever giving up."