Over 1,000 Leeds schoolchildren will learn how to look after their hearts thanks to a new link between Yorkshire-based, national charity Heart Research UK and Leeds Rhinos Foundation.
Leeds Rhinos Foundation (LRF), the official charity arm of the Rugby Super League Club Leeds Rhinos, has been awarded a £10,000 Healthy Heart Grant, which was presented during half time of the Rhinos game with Salford Reds Devils match on Friday (17 July).
Heart Research UK representatives, along with Hartley – the charity’s mascot, were there at the game to hand over the cheque to LRF general manager Davide Longo.
The project will enable the LRF to visit 36 primary schools in areas of deprivation within Leeds. Out of the 92 areas that fall in to the top 10% most deprived nationally, there are approximately 44% of children growing up living in poverty.
LRF want to demonstrate to youngsters that heart health does not have to be dependent on cost, time or accessibility and educate them on the risks and causes of heart disease.
The ‘Heart of Gold’ project, will target 30 disadvantaged children from each school, to take part in the six week programme. This will cover three weekly sessions of multi-skill physical activities themed around street games, two weekly healthy heart education workshops and to conclude the children will accumulate their newly learnt knowledge, to deliver a pupil-lead healthy hearts assembly to their peers at school.
To celebrate Leeds Rhinos’ most successful decade, they will be launching their own healthy heart inspired Top Trumps game. These playground cards, which use numerical data to compete against opponents, feature players from their ‘Golden Decade’ – the period between 2004 and 2014. Under the pillars of Health and Education, each card will promote their own positive heart healthy message.
As part of the legacy of the project, each child participating will receive a free pack of collectable Top Trumps cards which they can continue to play and spread the heart health message with friends and family.
The ‘Gold’ in the Healthy Heart project’s name, represents Leeds Rhinos greatest decade. Over the last ten years they have appeared in 18 finals and have won six Super League titles, three World Club titles, two league leaders and a Challenge Cup.
Davide Longo, Leeds Rhinos Foundation General Manager, said: “Leeds Rhinos Foundation is delighted to enter into a partnership with Heart Research UK. Offering children in Leeds increased positive activities that will increase awareness of heart health and educate on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, will be the main focus of our project. Hopefully this will be the start of a great relationship with Heart Research UK and the Leeds Rhinos Foundation.”
Heart Research UK National Director, Barbara Harpham, said: “It’s great to see such an obvious partnership is falling into place. We are delighted to be working with Leeds Rhinos Foundation, to help build upon their previous work within local communities and help even more young people in Leeds learn about the importance of keeping their hearts fit and healthy.”