Developing People and Communities 
Jump Rope for Heart
History of the program
..over 450 children attended the first national jump rope festival
Jump Rope for Heart has been in existence internationally for over 25 years. During that time it has raised millions of dollars for heart research and by extension spread the message and benefits of a healthy lifestyle to children. TTASPE has realized that children in the Caribbean are adopting a more sedentary lifestyle and have decided to use this model to encourage them to get active.
Since 2004 TTASPE has conducted a variety of jump rope teacher's workshops in Trinidad and Tobago as well as many other Caribbean islands. In these practical workshops the teachers engaged in a variety of activities that would empower them to include skipping activities in their physical education classes. They also explored ways that they can integrate concepts of health education with science, mathematics language arts and the other subject areas.
PUMPY
In 2005 the first national jump rope festival was held at University of the West Indies, Sport and Physical Education Center. Over 450 children from across Trinidad attended to showcase their skills in a non-competitive festival like atmosphere. Also in 2005 TTASPE produced a promotional music video featuring school children from across Trinidad.
In early 2006 TTASPE held the first “Pumpy Awards”, which was awarded to the Lower Morvant Government School for their efforts in the previous year to integrate the healthy lifestyle concepts of the project, within their school curriculum.
Children at the 2005 National Jump Rope Festival