Para-balloon facts for kids

A para-balloon is a colorful, parachute-shaped tool. It is made from many bright pieces of cloth. People use para-balloons in different games and activities.

How the Para-Balloon Was Invented

In October 1960, a Japanese visitor was in the United States. He saw a fun game using a parachute at a YMCA in Los Angeles. He really liked the game and thought it would be great for children.

When he returned to Japan, he tried to find a similar parachute. He couldn't find one like the one he saw. Then, he learned that many skilled shoemakers lived in Kobe. He asked them to create 20 special parachutes. He also asked them to help design games to play with these new tools. He called his new invention the "Para-balloon". This name combines the words "parachute" and "balloon."

Fun Ways to Use a Para-Balloon

The para-balloon is a special symbol for Grasshopper Scouts. These are young scouts aged 6 to 8 in The Scout Association of Hong Kong. The association uses the Chinese name 快樂傘, which means "Happy Parachute."

Many schools, kindergartens, and youth centers also use para-balloons. They often follow the fun activities created by the Grasshopper Scouts. Para-balloon games help children learn to work together and improve their physical skills.

Sometimes, para-balloons are even used in physical exercises for older people in Hong Kong. This shows how versatile and fun the para-balloon can be for all ages!