The Argus Group has jumped in headfirst to sponsor the three-day Jump 2b Fit campaign, organised by the Bermuda Heart Foundation and featuring seven world-famous jumpers.

With Argus’s sponsorship, this year’s Jump 2b Fit campaign has expanded beyond Bermuda schools to include government and business participation.

The Jump Tour is a series of workshops taking place at schools, businesses and government units until Tuesday. During the workshops, participants are learning about correct rope measurement, jump rope techniques, games and tricks as well as how to incorporate jump roping into one’s exercise routine.

Businesses or groups interested in participating in the Jump Tour may contact Sionna Barton by phone at 232-2673 or by e-mail at jump2bfitbda@gmail.com to schedule a free workshop session on Tuesday.

“With Argus’s sponsorship, we’re able to grow our programme and spread awareness throughout the Island of the many health benefits linked to jump roping,” said Sionna Barton, the Bermuda Heart Foundation’s marketing and development manager. “In order to reap the benefits of the sport, it is important that jump roping be performed correctly.

“The Jump 2b Fit programme takes a holistic approach to the sport by teaching safety, technique as well as fun routines. We work with individuals of all ages, sizes and backgrounds and jump roping is a sport that everyone can benefit from.”

According to the BHF, performing 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day, even in ten-minute increments, can help to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke and high blood pressure. When properly executed, jump roping is lower-impact than jogging or running.

Michelle Jackson, Argus’s executive vice-president of group insurance, said: “Promoting health and wellness is at the heart of our business and we want people to thrive. We are delighted to be sponsoring this year’s Jump Tour and encourage those who want to learn more about jump roping to get in touch with the Bermuda Heart Foundation. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Bermuda and jump roping is a fun way to improve cardiovascular fitness while also taking care of your heart’s health.”

A competitive youth jump roping team known as the Bermy Bouncers was borne out of the Jump 2b Fit campaign. The Bermy Bouncers are a diverse, co-ed team of 12 children aged 8 to 16 years who compete internationally and generally assist the Jump 2b Fit campaign in their mission to teach and spread awareness of the health benefits linked to jump roping. Families of the Bermy Bouncers are hosting a Happy Hour Golf Charity Tournament and Party at Belmont Hills Golf Club today to raise money for the Bermy Bouncers. To register, please contact Ms Barton by email at jump2bfitbda@gmail.com.

Jump 2b Fit offers workshops throughout the year and interested parties can contact Sionna Barton for more information. All workshops include jump ropes, instruction, education and practice. The Jump 2b Fit campaign was first initiated as a youth outreach programme to battle obesity. Argus is the title sponsor of Jump 2b Fit and has helped the programme grow over the past several years. For more information about Jump 2b Fit, visit www.facebook.com/Jump2bFitBermuda.