“New York kids jump for prizes in Double Dutch tourney” (text)
Double Dutch Championship. By Howie Evans.
A program that began with training sessions throughout the months of March and April reached its culmination this past Saturday on the plaza of Lincoln center.
The Eighth annual World invitational Double Dutch championship finals attracted well over 7,000 spectators during the long, hot and tiring day as a blazing sun hung overhead for the 80 teams of girls (boy) From each borough in the city, New Jersey and Connecticut.
In reality, most of the participants, young girls of elementary, junior high school, high school age had been practicing all year for the Double Dutch finals. The lone male in the competition was Peter Holloman, a sixth grade student from Brooklyn. Peter jumped with a team that was coached by Larry Jenkins of Brooklyn’s PS 268.
Some of the glimmer of the affair lost its glow because of the length of the program, which included compulsory routines, speed jumping, and freestyle routines for singles, than doubles. The spectacular day of rope jumping, if continued in the future, would best be served by perhaps eliminating more teams during the regional jumpoffs.
But nevertheless, the activity showcased some 30,000 children in a very highly visible activity that had its roots on the sidewalks of New York. The sport was organized by David Walker and Mike Williams, two Harlem based police officers who came upon the activity as an outlet for girls. The Double Dutch tournament just might be the single most major attraction for girls in the city of New York.
The sport requires an awesome amount of teamwork with little room for error. The routines are no longer simple. The teams assembled for the competition displayed crowd-roaring dance routines under the ropes. The speed-jumping with many girls jumping as many as 340 counts in two minutes, was spectacular. The count is made by the touching of the left shoe on the pavement. “That’s all we can see,” mused Mike Williams to the large crowd that completely filled the Lincoln Center Plaza. Williams might have set an endurance record for talking during the long day.
The Fantastic Four all world champion jumpers, were brought out for a demonstration and left the crowd gasping. They no longer compete. The four girls, Robin Oakes, Dolores Brown, Adrienne Adams, and De’Shone Adams form a team that exemplifies what Double Dutch is all about.
The activity has been sponsored by the Mobil Oil corporation over the years. But Mobil is withdrawing its corporate sponsorship and a tremendous void will be left if another sponsor is not forthcoming. The McDonalds Corporation, sponsorer of several teams in New York City and Plainfield, New Jersey, supposedly will be looking into picking up the program. But their intent and purpose has not been clear. And rightfully so when you consider the involvement of Mobil down through the years and right up to the end of the 8th World invitational Championships.
Howie Evans photos
Image description: Two girls swing jump ropes for a third girl. A referee and a crowd of spectators watch. Original caption: Super Dutchess came and took part in the tournament. The sixth grade students from Manhattan will be back next year, hoping to claim that elusive championship.
Image description: A woman wearing a sun hat and sunglasses signs autographs in front of a crowd of onlookers Original caption: Ruby Dee of Broadway television and the movies braved the hot rays of the boiling sun along with her husband Ozzie to watch the finals of the World invitational Tournament. As you can see Ruby and Ozzy became the center of attraction and spent a long afternoon signing autographs for their young and adult fans.
Image description: A woman coaches from the sidelines Original caption: “Stay in the box,” hollers Kate G, one of the young jumpers. Ms. Griffith. coaches Double Dutch teachers in the courts at JHS 43 in Manhattan
Image description: Rows of people sit in folding charis and watch the tournament Original caption: A part of the huge crowd that … Center for the Double Dutch competition.
Image description: A young Black woman in mid-jump with hter legs bent and arms bent at a right angle. Original caption: Kenyette Saunders of McDonald’s Dynamos and Junior High School 43 in Manhattan displays her style in the 7th grade speed jumping. Kenyatte jumped 311 counts in two minutes. She is coached by Kate Griffith. Turning the ropes on the left is Zenobia White.
Image description: A group of 4 Black girls jump Double Dutch as an engrossed audience looks on. Large buildings around Lincoln Center frame the photograph. Original caption: The fantastic four (Robin Oakes, Dolores Brown, Adrienne Adams, De’Shone Adams), put on a “Fantastic” Exhibition that left the huge crowd breathless. No longer part of the competition, the World’s invitational Double Dutch champs, now appear at demonstrations all over the nation on behalf of Double Dutch.
Image description: Two Black woman cheer on the jump ropers Original caption: Kate Griffith as she urges on her…Considered one of the foremost …coaches over 100 jumpers. … Edith Duvall, Olympic track and field star who came all the way from San Francisco to learn about Double Dutch, New York style. Far left in the Double Dutch t-shirt is Judy Walker, wife of the program’s founder, Police Officer, David Walker.
Image description: A Black man wearing a cap and sunglasses gestures with his arms stretched out above his head and yells. He’s surrounded by young children in matching uniforms who are smiling. Original caption: “Yeah,” yells coach Larry Jenkins of 268 in Brooklyn. His team, the Jumping Joints gave a great account of themselves as witnessed by Larry’s actions.
Image description: A large crowd of spectators seated in folding chairs Original caption: …jammed the Plaza at Lincoln … competition Over 7,000 spectators witnessed the more than 6 hours of competition between girls and 1 fellow from New York, Jersey, and Connecticut.
Image description: Another team of jump ropers competes. Original caption: Stepping pretty is this lovely young lady as she goes through her speed jumping routine.