NYC adds double dutch rope jumping as school sport

By KAREN MATTHEWS ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER Elementary school girls participate in a Double Dutch jump rope practice session at the St. Peter Claver Gym in the Brooklyn borough of New York, Wednesday, June 25, 2008. Long popular on New York City sidewalks, Double Dutch will become an officially sanctioned varsity sport in city public schools in the spring of 2009. (AP Photo/Ed Ou) View related video NEW YORK -- The popular urban street pastime called double dutch, in which competitors jump between two ropes twirled eggbeater-style, is getting more recognition, becoming an officially sanctioned sport in New York City high schools. School officials say adding double dutch to the calendar should get hundreds of students participating in an enjoyable aerobic activity. "We're always thinking, what do we need to do to get more kids... [read full story]