PETERSBURG, Va (WRIC)- A local organization called JumpStarz is teaching young people to land leading roles in their own lives through the game of double Dutch.
“Our goal is to build confidence, give them something to do, help them learn to reach goals, and meet new people,” explained Patricia Clement, owner and founder of JumpStarz.
A native of Brooklyn, New York, Clement learned to jump rope when she was six years old. Jumping rope is now one of her passions. She also serves as a Petersburg police officer.
“I love to empower and inspire,” she said.
The JumpStarz organization works with young girls and boys across the region, including the Richmond, Petersburg, Prince George, and Fredricksburg areas.
“Our services depend on the contracts. Jump rope and empowerment comes with sessions in goal-setting, vision boards, career choices, and healthy choices, said Clement.
13-year-old Acaria Mosby learned to jump last year.
“I started to jump in the rope from the outside,” she told 8News Reporter Nakell Williams. “I started learning tricks and then I got better.”
Mosby says she finds being a part of JumnpStarz encouraging especially when it comes to developing leadership skills.
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