Records are made to be broken and a Guinness World Record was likely shattered thanks to the help of children and teens across Maine. On March 22, 60 kids at the South Portland Clubhouse joined their peers across the state and country - more than 800 Boys & Girls Clubs in all - to break the Guinness World Record for the most people doing "jumping jacks" – or "star jumps".
Conducted through Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Triple Play program, with support from founding sponsor Coca-Cola and the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation, the World Record attempt is a part of the Clubs' ongoing efforts to encourage kids to eat healthier, become more physically active and increase their ability to engage in healthy relationships.
"We are so proud of all the kids and families who took part in this historic event," said Jen Pierce, Unit Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine. "By jumping their way into history, they proved that you don't need equipment or a gym membership to get active and be healthy. Fitness can start with something as simple as a jumping jack."
To break the current record, more than 278 kids needed to complete the attempt. While the official verdict will come from Guinness in a couple of weeks, all indications are that the record has been broken.
"Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine is committed to improving health in our communities and is proud to help bring the Triple Play program to Boys & Girls Clubs throughout our state," said Jeffrey Holmstrom, D.O., medical director at Anthem. "By helping our kids learn healthy habits at a young age, we can give them the tools they need to live their healthiest, longest lives possible, and maybe even break some records along the way." Dr. Holmstrom and Slugger from the Portland Sea Dogs were on hand at the South Portland Clubhouse during the world record attempt.
"Coca-Cola is proud to support the Triple Play initiative in partnership with the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation," said Quinton Martin, vice president, community marketing. "Research shows that this program is working – Triple Play is succeeding in getting kids to exercise more, eat a variety of foods and feel good about themselves. We are committed to promoting programs that help children, teens and adults live active, healthy lifestyles."
Nearly one-third of children and teens in the U.S. are obese or overweight, according to multiple studies. Children and adults can avoid these devastating diseases by adopting and maintaining healthy habits early on.
Jumping jacks are called "star jumps" in some countries because the arms, legs and head form a five-pointed star. The record is defined as, "the most people star jumping simultaneously at multiple venues for two consecutive minutes," according to Guinness World Records.
Southern Maine Student set Jumping Guinness World Record 2011 Video
