The Irish Heart Foundation promotes skipping among school children to prevent heart disease.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Ireland. Until now, the Irish Heart Foundation has focused its attention on the adult population; this current campaign is directed at primary school children.
At the Mansion House in Dublin, The Irish Heart Foundation launched Skipathon, an educational programme which focuses on the importance of regular exercise for heart health.
Good lifestyle habits started during childhood have a positive impact on adult health, says Irish Heart Foundation spokesman Comdt Finn Monahan. Skipping, a simple, fun exercise, is accessible to all.
Schools are encourged to participate in two hour skipping relays, in teams of six. The Irish Heart Foundation hopes to get one million children involved in exercise that is good for their health and is a lot of fun.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 27 March 1985. The reporter is Paul Blanchfield.
