Jump Jam Double Dutch Challenge

Jump Jam

City of Saint Paul and HealthPartners announce Jump Jam Double Dutch Challenge

SAINT PAUL - Saint Paul Deputy Mayor Paul Williams and HealthPartners President and CEO Mary Brainerd will kick off a nine-week Jump Jam Double Dutch Challenge.  Youth and adults ages 10 and older can register for the free summer program that will be held at five Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Centers.  No experience is necessary and Double Dutch coaches will host open sessions to teach participants at the recreation centers.  Finalists from each recreation center will compete in a city challenge held on Saturday Aug. 18, 2012.

“Double Dutch is a great example of how improving health in our community can also be good old fashioned fun,” said Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman.

Kickoff party

In addition to the City of Saint Paul and HealthPartners, the Saint Paul YWCA and Radio Disney are participating in Jump Jam.  City officials and HealthPartners will kick off the program at a launch party hosted by Radio Disney and will include Double Dutch demonstrations and prizes.

“Sponsoring events like the summer Jump Jam is among the best investments we can make in the health of our community because it’s a fun way to help kids take charge of their health and establish habits that can last a lifetime,” said Mary Brainerd, HealthPartners President and CEO. 

Health benefits of jumping rope
Jumping rope for five to 10 minutes a day can provide the same health benefits as 30 minutes of jogging, two sets of tennis singles or 18 holes of golf, according to the Jump Rope Institute.  In addition, jumping helps improve spacial awareness, reading skills, memory and mental alertness.

What:     Jump Jam Double Dutch Challenge registration and launch party
When:    Saturday June 16, 2012 from 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Where:  Wellstone Center, 179 Robie Street East, Saint Paul, MN
Who:      Saint Paul Deputy Mayor Paul Williams
              Health Partners CEO/President Mary Brainerd

Deadline to sign up for the Jump Jam Double Dutch Challenge is Saturday July 14, 2012. 

Participants can register at the launch party, online at www.healthpartners.com/jumpjam or at one of the five participating Saint Paul Recreation Centers:  Wellstone Center, 179 Robie Street East; Linwood Recreation Center, 860 St. Clair Ave.; Oxford/Jimmy Lee Recreation Center, 270 Lexington Pkwy North; Dayton’s Bluff Recreation Center, 790 Conway Ave.; Rice Recreation Center 1021 Marion St.