Rankin Inlet (Feb 12/03) - If you bring the rope, they will skip. A new skipping program at Leo Ussak elementary school has students literally jumping for joy.

Elizabeth Samgushak, a Grade 4 student at Leo Ussak elementary in Rankin Inlet, is obviously enjoying the new skipping program at her school. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

The program was started by staff member Amanda McLarty who wanted to come up with a way to help students beat the winter humdrums.

Grade 1 and 2 students take to the gym from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, and Grade 3 and 4 students on Wednesday.

The program officially began this past week.

McLarty says the students took full advantage of their opportunity to have some free time with the skipping ropes.

"They really had a lot of fun the first day," says McLarty.

"They were trying out different tricks to get into it and see what they are capable of doing."

The program is a great opportunity for students to spend time with their friends in a healthy environment that doesn't include school work.

McLarty says the students are being introduced to a number of skipping games and techniques this week, including the helicopter, skipping backwards, on one foot and with their arms crossed.

She is also trying to entice MUI teacher Cindy Rempel to pay a visit to the gym and teach the kids how to skip double-dutch.

"I love skipping and it's really the only sport that I'm any good at.

"The kids need a little bit of exercise during this time of year when they can't get outside much to play.

"There aren't many after school sports for kids their age, and they all had smiles on their faces leaving the gym and sweat dripping down their foreheads."

There are about 100 students taking part in the skipping program.

McLarty says the school has lots of skipping ropes available, so all the kids are able to participate at the same time.

She says there's been a lot of interaction between the boys and girls during the hour, which also helps build social skills.

"A couple (of kids) will hold both ends of the big skipping rope and the rest line up to take their turn skipping.

"The kids tend to stay in their own little circle of friends, but they all seem to enjoy doing the skipping together."