STUNELL GOES HOPPING MAD IN PARLIAMENT

2.00.00pm GMT Tue 17th Mar 2009

Local MP Andrew Stunell joined over 100 schoolchildren, and several of his Parliamentary colleagues in a quest to become the Parliamentary Skipping Champion, at an event last week in Westminster.

The event, sponsored by Skip2Bfit, is in its second year, and is designed to promote skipping and healthy eating in Primary Schools. The contest is run by professional boxing trainer John McCormack who has spent the last 7 years setting up Skip2Bfit a programme which goes into schools for young children.

Andrew sadly didn't win, but his total of 91 skips in two minutes saw him come 18th, and beat his Liberal Democrat Colleague John Leech MP (Manchester Withington) for the accolade of the best Parliamentary skipper in Greater Manchester.

Commenting, Andrew said:

"This was a really great event - but a lot of hard work!

"There is an important need to encourage more sporting activities in schools in order to tackle the nationwide problem of obesity among young children.

"A few minutes of skipping between lessons - or in my case between committee meetings - gets people fit and keeps minds sharp and active. Hopefully it will encourage more kids to enjoy more active lifestyles."

John McCormack of Skip2Bfit added:

"I have delivered this programme into thousands of schools and it works wonders. I would like to congratulate Andrew, and all of his Parliamentary colleagues who took time out of their busy schedules, to take part.

"The health of the nation is now a national priority and Andrew and his colleagues have helped today to show that everyone can be more active."

ENDS