In 2020, we created a completely virtual Buddy Up for Life Jump Fundraising event for our Athletes and Buddies. This year, we took it in a different direction! With our community being able to more safely mingle, we decided to hold events at each of our cities between October and December. To prepare, Athletes and Buddies practiced their jump-roping skills each week during clinics so they could exceed expectations while they crush their goals.
The Columbus, Ohio Chapter hosted the National Kickoff on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at Wickertree! Starting the day off early, Coach Kyle, Athletes; David, Sarah, and Susan began their 9 AM warm-up with World Champion Jump Roper Tori Boggs. Jumpers took two laps around the court to get their blood pumping as they started gearing up to reach their jump rope goals. With high spirits, and loosened muscles, it was time to officially kick off the event!
Kyle took center stage as he welcomed the audience with a short introduction and announced the special guests!
First up was Jennika Landon from Crossropes (via zoom) who joined us for a quick 5-minute workout session with the Athletes. Jennika found her passion for fitness jumping with Crossrope weighted jump ropes about 4.5 years ago, and has been jumping almost every day since! Jennika is a certified jump rope instructor and certified personal trainer and started working for Crossrope in June 2020 as a Crossrope Athlete. It brings her great joy to share her love of jumping with others and see their lives positively impacted by the amazing health and fitness benefits of jumping rope!
Kyle, then introduce World Champion Jump Roper, Tori Boggs (in person) who wowed us with some demonstrations of her skills and even shared some fun tricks with the Athletes! Tori’s passion is in unique and creative ways to inspire others to be healthy, active, and vital in every aspect of life, encouraging a positive outlook and purposeful attitude. Tori’s list of achievements includes 31 Time Grand World Jump Rope Champion, Speed and power world jump rope record holder since 2006 in triple unders (412), and three-minute speed jumps (1010) 2 Time Team Captain, Team USA. Performed with Cirque DuSoleil, Featured on America’s Got Talent, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and performed at halftime at the OSU game!!
It was then time for the main event! Buddies and Coaches lined up to do as many jumps as possible within a minute. winners were then announced and prized with their very own Crossrope Jump Ropes! Next up was the Athlete’s time to shine! Because the Athletes are all at different jump roping levels – line jump, swing stop, and traditional, winners were announced by level, giving everyone a fair opportunity to win a Crossrope jump rope!
As the event winded down, Kyle thanked all and reminded them about the fundraising goals everyone set alongside their jump goals! The Columbus Chapter Jump event was the kickoff, and with every other Chapter holding its own, we’re sure there is plenty of excitement to come as everyone jumps for more!