Here’s hooping for a world record!

Pupils from Alice Ingham RC Primary in Rochdale are looking forward to the hula hoop challenge

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More than 300 children from around the borough are aiming to set a hula hooping world record on Saturday 23 June – and have a whole load of fun in the process!

The record bid will be one of the highlights of a day of excitement and entertainment for all the family in Rochdale town centre to celebrate the arrival of the Olympic Torch.

Hula hooping was chosen as the challenge as the hoops will symbolise the Olympic Rings while the workout will also promote the value of co-operation right in the heart of the World Capital of Co-operatives.

The current hula hooping workout record is 232 people set by a group in Edinburgh who followed a routine which included six different elements for just over 1 minute 30 seconds.

Our routine will also include six different parts and will last for 2 minutes 12 seconds, in recognition of it being 2012. It will take place on The Butts and the adjoining South Parade at 12 noon.

Among the youngsters taking part are pupils from Alice Ingham RC Primary in Rochdale.
The hula hoop routine has been choreographed by Michelle Matthews from Rochdale’s Ladies Only Ltd who will be on stage to lead the attempt.

Michelle said: “We've worked with professional hula hoopers for several years. No matter how old you are, hula hoops promote fun and laughter as well as improving muscle strength, co-ordination and aerobic fitness.

“We have been teaching hula hoop PE classes in schools across the borough since last year. The children love it, so I am sure they will be super-fit from putting in hours of practice to achieve this world record!”

The hula hooping is just one of a whole raft of activities that will be taking place in the town centre. Starting from 10am, the fun on offer will include a 25 foot climbing wall, mountain biking, a children’s market and a display of Rochdale’s very own Olympic sports cars.

There will also be the chance to watch circus skills and a tug-of-war contest between representatives of Fiji and Ireland - the countries who will meet in Rochdale during next year’s Rugby League World Cup, while musical entertainment will be provided by the award winning Wardle High Youth Band.

The Olympic Torch will arrive in the borough at around 1.45pm with the first Torchbearer carrying the flame from the junction of Edenfield Road and Elmsfield Avenue, Norden.

It’s on full view along Sandy Lane, Bury Road, College Road, Newgate and through the town centre along the Esplanade where it’s due to arrive around 2.30pm.

It’s then carried by Torchbearers along Manchester Road and Bolton Road to Springfield Park. It will not be on view along Rochdale Road East until the junction with Crimble Lane. It’s then on full view along York Street and Market Street in Heywood. It’s due to arrive in Heywood town centre at 3pm.

Cabinet Member for IT, Highway Services, Culture and Leisure, Councillor Jacqueline Beswick, said: “The hula hooping is going to be a wonderful event and I hope as many people as possible will come along to cheer the youngsters on as they attempt to bring the world record to our borough.

“With the historic arrival of the Olympic Torch and all the great activities that we’ve laid on, this is going to be a day that will live forever in people’s memories.”