Kangaroo Kids Looking to Leap to South Africa

COLUMBIA, Md. - Think you can jump rope? Just try and keep up with the Kangaroo Kids.

Kangaroo Kids is a Howard County organization of more than 100 kids, ranging in age from 6 to 26. They jump rope in competitions all over the world.

This isn't your average game of Double Dutch. Some of the Kangaroo Kids incorporate a variety of moves like back flips, handstands and rope-throws into their routines. There also are speed competitions, where the kids are challenged to swing the rope under them as many times as possible on a single jump.

Fifteen kids have qualified to compete in the World Championships this July in South Africa. The team is in the process of trying to raise $68,000 to pay for airfare, lodging and food.

"It costs about $4,000 a person," Coach James McCleary says. "We need all the help we can get."

If you would like to donate to the Kangaroo Kids, please make your check out to:

Kangaroo Kids C/O Madden
4272 Buckskin Lake Drive
Ellicott City, Md. 21042

Watch below to see the Kangaroo Kids in action:

For more information, visit kangarookids.org.

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