Jumping to beat record

More than 190 of the school’s 250 students gathered on the blacktop getting directions for the 10-minute period beginning at 9 a.m. during which students at schools statewide would begin to jump rope in hopes of breaking the Guinness World Record for the "Most People Jumping/Skipping Rope.” The event coincided with Jump Rope for Heart, an educational fundraiser held at schools in partnership with the American Heart Association. Students at Portola began really training for yesterday’s session about a month ago. Results from all schools will be forwarded to London. Come March, Portola should know if the record was broken.

Teacher Mike Casey announced one minute before the start and excited screams rippled through the blacktop for students holding jump ropes of many lengths and colors. Younger children who were unfamiliar with the movements required to jump rope, laid a rope down on the ground and hopped over it, back and forth.

Although the record-breaking section was a 10-minute portion, the San Bruno students were jumping for an hour for Jump Rope for Heart. Seven-year-old Yash Sharma figured he could jump 42,000 times in that 60-minute period.

Sixth grade student Alexie Gama just thought it was cool to be part of a world record attempt. She noted her brother, who attends a different elementary school, was jealous that he didn’t have the same opportunity.

Just then, Casey’s voice came over the speakers, "Get ready to break a world record!”

His announcement was followed by Van Halen’s "Jump,” which got the kids started.

Fourth grade student Liam Bombosch, 8, found the music gave him extra energy. He was excited about the prospect of joining so many other children in breaking a world record.

Superintendent David Hutt called the chance to be part of a world record a once-in-a-school-career opportunity.

Jump Rope for Heart is part of Portola Elementary’s culture, explained Casey, who said the school has participated since 1983 as a way to motivate more active kids. The record was really extra incentive, he said noting Monday’s turnout was the largest in the school’s history.

"How many opportunities do you have to break a world record?” he said.

Students began training at recess and during physical education times with jump ropes over a month ago. Also, participants needed to fill out an activity log for the Governor’s Challenge to participate. Jumpers were watched by volunteers and two officials, Mayor Jim Ruane and Police Chief Neil Telford. Telford and Ruane then signed count sheets, which will later be forwarded for the Guinness World Record consideration.

It wasn’t all about a record yesterday. Portola was jumping for heart health, something very dear to at least one Portola family.

Five-year-old Zachary Bautista jumped one jump at a time around a basketball hoop while his father, Lee, videotaped. If Lee stopped, Zachary noticed.

The little one, who was learning to jump rope as he went, was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect when he was younger. He previously underwent corrective surgery.

Heart health is a special interest for the Bautistas as a result, Lee said. He has purchased a long rope for Zachary so his son could jump rope for many years to come.

Sunset Ridge Elementary School in Pacifica also took part in yesterday’s activities. The school received 600 jump ropes as a donation from Wells Fargo. Altogether, the goal was to reach 80,000 people jumping. Casey estimated over 400 sites participating in Monday’s event. State agencies estimated over 2,000 sites participating.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.