Para-balloon

A para-balloon is a tool used in a variety of games. It is in a parachute shape and is made up of fragments of colorful cloth in multiple, bright colours.

An unknown Japanese visitor saw a game involving a parachute at a YMCA in the United States in October 1960 and also in Los Angeles and was attracted to it. In the hope that children could play the game he returned to Japan and searched unsuccessfully for that kind of parachute. He later came to know that there were many good shoemakers in Kobe. He asked them to make 20 pieces and also to design games involving the parachute. He named it as Para-balloon after Parachute and Balloon.

A para-balloon is the symbol of Grasshopper Scouts from The Scout Association of Hong Kong. It is used to train groups of children, aged 6 to 8. The association uses the name 快樂傘 in Chinese. Many schools, kindergartens and youth centres utilise para-balloons, following the Grasshopper Scouts.

Para-balloon games are sometimes incorporated in physical exercises for elderly people in Hong Kong.

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