WS Chronicle

Local kids set unique record

Local students have set a Guinness World Record for the Largest Zumbatomic Class.

More than 1,100 students, along with Mayor Allen Joines, took part in the zumbatomic (a kid-friendly form of Zumba) class on Feb. 1 at the Benton Convention Center. They kept moving continuously for 30 minutes to break the record. The prior Zumbatomic world record was 383 children, set in April 2012.

The youngsters went through a set of nine routines led by certified Zumbatomic instructors Tracie York and Katie Boles and two youth lead instructors. Twenty-three other program leaders, including nine zumba certified instructors, teachers and volunteers, also helped out.

The world record attempt was staged by Cheryl Lindsay, who founded Red H.E.A.R.R.T (Help Educate And Reduce Risk Today) to promote health and

Lindsay

wellness among city residents.

Beyond the Zumbatomic session, Lindsay is working with the American Heart Association’s Go Red heart health campaign to encourage youngsters to incorporate at least 30 minutes of movement into their day and incorporate good nutritional practices.

“I’m extremely excited that Red HEARRT’s mission and its goal of taking action to reduce the health risks of an unhealthy lifestyle are really happening,” said Lindsay. “I’m humbled that this initiative has become a community collaboration to help reduce health risk and positively impact our youth, our future, their families and potentially, the generations to come.”