Mount Somers Springburn School jump jam teams competed in their first interschool competition of the year, held in Christchurch, last weekend.
Mini Chills, with 10 members, competed in the year 2 to 4 section, while Mega Chills, with 19 members, competed in the year 7 to 8 section.
It was the first time the youngsters in the Mini Chills experienced a competition, while about half of those in Mega Chills were making their second or third appearance.
The school is a former national Jump Jam champion, and is once again on its way to success after a top performance at the weekend.
Jump Jam was created by world aerobics champion Brett Fairweather.
It is an upbeat fusion of fitness and dance, which challenges fundamental movement skills.
Competition events are judged on technical and precision execution. Youngsters are also marked on demonstrating high energy and having a good time, so plenty of smiling faces is a must all round.
Mini Chills won its section, while Mega Chills claimed second in its competition. In addition, both of the teams were awarded excellence in presentation and technical execution.
Both performed Greased Lightning. They had been training together for about six weeks, under the guidance of teacher Michaela George.
Michaela said she was delighted with team members’ performances. Everyone had worked very hard.
‘‘Jump Jam is a great way for our kids to build not only their fitness but their confidence, coordination and teamwork skills. This is why we love to enter these competitions,’’ she said.
The school will now look towards preparing for the national competition in November, also to be held in Christchurch.
The school was named South Island champions in 2018, which was its first year of entering the competition.
It was crowned national champion in 2019.
The school has achieved a top three placing at every competition it has entered, bar one, in the last six years.
