India Cann, a keen member of the Bermy Bouncers competitive jump rope team, is making great leaps towards success.

Eleven-year-old India is one of the few Bermudian students who will represent their country at the World Jump Rope Championship and Camp in Orlando, Florida from July 1-10.

The youngster discovered the sport courtesy of her mother. Once she starting jumping with everyone, India simply stuck with it.

She found it to be quite a lot of fun as, once she joined the Bermy Bouncers, unbreakable friendships were formed, and she became a part of a “big family”.

Hosted by the World Jump Rope Federation, which seeks to raise awareness of and develop the sport of jump rope, the World Jump Rope Championship and Camp is a five-day competition centred on all disciplines of jump rope.

Teams participate in challenges that include, but are not limited to, jumping speed with a single rope, double dutch, as well as freestyle jump roping either as a single person, or in groups of two to three.

The remaining two days will be focused on training, presenting teams with the opportunity to learn from elite jumpers from around the world.

While it certainly hasn’t been easy, India has been doing her part to bring awareness to a sport that many have yet to take seriously.

And she’s started off small — not just seeking donations at Harbour Nights in St George, but by showing her captivated audience how skilful jumping truly is.

“People think it’s just something you do when you play by yourself,” India said, “but it’s more complicated. Jump rope is hard and you need a fit body.”

Simone Barton, CEO of the Bermuda Heart Foundation, mentioned that as a part of their Jump 2B Fit programme, an initiative to fight heart disease and bring athleticism to children around Bermuda, they have included gymnastics and acrobatics in their jump rope routines.

Much more than that, Mrs Barton said: “Jump roping teaches leadership, discipline, and public speaking. It helps people with ADHD, and improves cognitive function.”

When asked what she would tell her fellow Bermudians about the sport, she urged them to try it. Their coach, Sionna Barton, is doing much more than turning them into good jumpers — she is developing them as people.

Added India: “If you are willing to put in time, it can be really fun.”