Bermuda’s national youth jump rope team is gearing up to compete on the global stage next month.

The Bermy Bouncers will take part in the World Jump Rope Championships in Orlando, Florida, from July 2-9, before heading to Seattle for an invitational jump rope and gymnastics camp.

In Orlando, the youth team, comprising girls and boys aged 9 to 15, will be joined by an adult competitive team, the Bermy Bounce Backs, with both teams competing in power-based speed and freestyle events. The Bermy Bounce Backs are aged 19 to 50 and over, and are led by former Bermy Bouncer Sophia Richmond.

The Bermy Bouncers are run as an arm of the Bermuda Heart Foundation’s Jump 2B Fit active outreach programme, which aims to produce youth ambassadors for the island who are passionate about jump rope, physical activity, civic engagement and personal empowerment.

A press release said: “Our jumpers train three times a week for 2½ to three hours, comprising a mix of strength, conditioning and endurance training, as well as working to enhance their single rope, double Dutch, speed and freestyle jump skills.

“Although the sport may be a new one, and not one widely recognised, the hard work and dedication put forth by these Bermudian youth is something that should be highly recognised. Our team takes what other athletes use as a conditioning tool and makes a sport of it. Jump rope is one of the most physically challenging sports there is and these youth and adults are planning to represent our island proudly.”

• Watch the Jump 2B Fit 2016 documentary here. The Jump 2B Fit programme is also on Facebook.