The Brampton Guardian – Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Twenty-one athletes from the Brampton Acro Ropers participated with great success in this year’s National Jump Rope Championships in Abbotsford, BC.
Two 4-person teams became National Champions. In the 10-11 mixed category the team of Thomas Rewa, Jake Whyte, Alana Coughlin and Sydney van Engelen won 4 out of 8 events and the overall National Title. In the 15-17 female category, Brittany Gillies, Olivia Bruce, Megan Jarchow and Kylie Matheson (see picture to the left_ won 5 out of 8 events, set 4 new Team Speed Records and won the overall National title.
In addition, the Brampton Acro Ropers teams of Ellory Bruce, Zoe Lefebvre, Erin Postma, Bridget Page (12-14 Female), Laura Featherstone, Krystal Veldhoen, Jenna Watson, Taylor Page(15-17 Female) and Amy Chiappetta, Jaclyn Santamaria, Erika Wolter, Kathleen O’Callaghan (18-29 Female) participated in the National Championships.
In the individual events, 4 team members won National Titles in their age categories; Jake Whyte (8-9 Male); Thomas Rewa (10-11 Male); Brittany Gillies (15-17 female) and Shelby Toews (18-29 Female). Top five finishes were achieved by Alana Couglin (4th, 10-11 Female), Megan Jarchow (3rd, 15-17 Female), Olivia Bruce (2nd, 15-17 Female), Jaclyn Santamaria (2nd, 18-29 Female). In the process, Olivia, Shelby & Jaclyn each set new National Records in each of their respective age categories, while Jake set 2 National Records in his age category.
Approximately 300 skippers from clubs all across Canada competed in both team and individual speed, endurance & freestyle events over the 2 days of the competition, ending with large group routines & awards ceremonies. Jump rope as a sport has evolved over the past several years so that freestyle events are a unique combination of skipping, gymnastics and dance.
Established in 1987, the Brampton Acro Ropers are a non-profit community organization dedicated to the promotion of personal development, health, fitness and fun through friendly competition. The team is composed of energetic and enthusiastic eight to eighteen year olds who love the challenge and fun of this competitive sport.
The Brampton Acro Ropers practice six hours a week from the beginning of September until the end of June. In a typical season, the team attends several jump rope workshops, performs numerous demos and competes at Regional, Provincial and National jump rope competitions. Some of the Brampton Acro Ropers athletes also compete at the summer Junior Olympics in the US and their very best athletes represent Canada at the World Championships (2008 Worlds were in South Africa!). For more information about the Brampton Acro Ropers, visit their website at www.bramptonacroropers.com