A group of elementary school students in Deseronto has taken a simple exercise a long way. Three years ago, the Grade 5 and 6 class at Deseronto public school began “the burp it on challenge” as a way to promote physical health.
“I really like the opportunity,” Grade 6 student, Abby Lloyd said, “Because I really get to see how this challenge is changing the world of physical activity.”
Students were encouraged to have others do an exercise called “the burpee” and send them a video. Before long, Jason Lloyd, a Grade 5 and 6 teacher at Deseronto and the man behind the initiative, was receiving messages from all around the world.
“I’ve got some kids who put a sticker up on a map that we’ve got,” Lloyd said. “It’s been fantastic for them.”
“We’re such a small school in a little town, and we started something that goes around the world,” Grade 6 student, Lola French said.
Students even caught the attention of Canada’s Prime Minister when they received a certificate of recognition from Justin Trudeau in February.
Lloyd never imagined the “burpee challenge” would have taken off the way it has.
“It’s just excellent for all of our students to understand that they’ve made a difference in the world.”