Double Dutch

Double Dutch jump rope is a popular activity in a number of communities in Missouri and throughout the nation.

Double Dutch involves two jump ropes turned in a synchronized crisscross manner by two rope turners and features one or more jumpers displaying fancy footwork and gymnastic moves. Double Dutch fosters creativity and individuality; helps build self-esteem and social skills; and offers an inexpensive way to increase physical activity.

The benefits of jumping rope include improved health, skill development and academic performance.

Double Dutch teams from across Missouri and eastern Illinois competed in Missouri’s first Double Dutch Duel State Jump-Off, May 14, 2008, in Jefferson City. The primary goal of the competition was to encourage young people to be more physically active.

Olympic Gold Medalist Barbara Jones Slater was the guest speaker for the Double Dutch event. As a member of the 1952 and 1960 U.S. 4 x 100 Olympic relay team, Jones Slater was the youngest Olympic gold medalist in track and field history. She was 15 years old when she won her first gold medal in Helsinki. She went on to get a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in physical education and became a teacher. Jones Slater has spent much of her life promoting the importance of physical activity, especially for young people.

Increasing physical activity and making healthy food choices are vital in the battle against childhood obesity.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the percentage of children who are overweight in the United States has more than doubled in the past three decades, while the percentage of overweight teenagers has more than tripled. The prevalence of overweight adolescents 12 to 19 years old increased from 5 percent 30 years ago to more than 17 percent today.

The Double Dutch Duel was sponsored by:

• Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
• Region VII Office-U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• Lincoln University
• Lincoln University Cooperative Extension
• University of Missouri Extension
• 4-H Center for Youth Development
• Governor's Council on Physical Fitness & Health
• Capital Region Medical Center
• Freestyle Graphics