Illinois AHPERD Member Honored At The Jump And Hoops Workshop
By Mary Kennedy, IAHPERD JRFH State Coordinator

The IAHPERD Jump and Hoops committee held a summer workshop at Baldwin School in Quincy on June 30. The workshop was a success and all of the participates enjoyed the activities and ideas that they gained from the event.

The workshop was dedicated to Bob Califf who lost his life in a car accident in May. Bob was originally scheduled to host the event at the Hamilton Elementary School where he taught. A ceremony honoring Bob and his involvement in the Jump Rope for Heart program was held during the day. A plaque was presented to his school. Another ceremony is being planned at his school at which time a plaque will be given to his parents.  Bob had taught for several years and incorporated the Jump event into his curriculum. He will be missed by all that knew him.

Jump rope and basketball skills were the main focus of the day. Each of the participants received a CPR Anytime kit. These kits are designed to teach the procedures and basic skills of CPR through a DVD. Other useful information on grants and educational kits were given during the day.   

Dr. Steve McCaw from Illinois State University was the guest survivor speaker. He relayed his story of what it was like to have a pace maker and how he benefited from the group’s efforts.

Several students from Ellington Elementary School in Quincy helped out with demonstrating jump rope and basketball skills during the day. Representing the American Heart Association was the Youth Market Director, Kevin Vest.

The workshop was designed to give useful information and activities to the coordinators. Each of the coordinators received several free items that they can take back to their schools and use with their students and staff members.