A special performance by the Bainbridge Island Rope Skippers competitive jump rope team, along with special guest jumpers from Kirkland, will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, April 17 in the Bainbridge High School gymnasium with donations going to benefit One World One Rope.

“Not only is it a very important organization that we are raising money for, but it is also a great opportunity to show our community what jump rope is all about,” said Lizzy Sharman, BIRS spokeswoman. “Since jump rope is small in comparison to sports such as soccer or basketball, and because often people’s only experience with it is something that kids do recess, many people don’t categorize it as a “sport”.

These community shows are a perfect way for people to watch what we can do.” One World One Rope promotes physical activity to youth worldwide through the sport of jump rope, Sharman explained. It has touched and changed the lives of many that have been given opportunities to take part in such a physically demanding yet rewarding sport that teaches children leadership, sportsmanship and much more.

On tap for the show are a variety of jump rope styles and techniques, she said.

“The freestyle routines that will be featured in the show include single rope – one jumper with one single rope, pairs – two jumpers each with their own ropes doing a synchronized routine and double dutch – two people turning two ropes with either one or more jumpers inside the ropes,” Sharman said.”These are all routines that have been worked on since the beginning of the season in September, that are competed at tournaments throughout the year. We will also be including some larger, more complex tricks that include more ropes and more jumpers. These large skills only are successful when each person is turning the rope or jumping over the rope at the exact same time and require many hours of practice.”

Sharman said that one thing especially that makes jump roping such a unique sport is the wide age range of people on the team.

“Our team currently ranges from 6 years old to 23 years old,” she said. “I have been on the Bainbridge Island Rope Skippers for 14 years and have transitioned from being one of the youngest on the team to now helping coach the team. “The sport demands leadership from the older team members, expected to set a good example of sportsmanship for the younger jumpers while inspiring and motivating them,” she added.

The performance is free and donations will be accepted for One World One Rope. The Bainbridge Island Rope Skippers often hold workshops and instructional events for those interested in trying their hand at this fun and challenging sport.

For more information visit www.facebook.com and search “Bainbridge Island Rope Skippers.”For further information, and to register for classes, please contact the team at biropeskippers@hotmail.com.