CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Childhood obesity has been labeled a serious health problem in our country.
Obesity affects 1 in 5 children and adolescents across the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Health agencies cite a variety of factors such as genetics, medications and socioeconomic status.
A team led by sisters is among the many groups across North Carolina working to keep children healthy.
Jumping Dreams Double Dutch is a jump rope program founded by sisters Dominique Artis and Angelicka Crawford that aims to inspire young boys and girls to fulfill their greatest potential.
Their mission is to serve children while promoting mental wellness, social development and physical fitness across the greater Charlotte area.
"I didn't know how to jump rope, so when I first found out I could, I felt I could do other stuff," Najee Williford, a Jumping Dreams competitor, said. "Also, they treat me like I'm a part of their family. And I like winning."
Artis and Crawford, former competitors in the sport of double dutch, had a vision to use their passion to help children.
They launched Jumping Dreams DD in Charlotte in 2017.
"We wanted to bring it back to the kids," Artis said. "Everybody is into technology these days. So just getting kids active again [was a priority]."
The sisters are now leading a world champion jump rope program.
Competitor Ava Gladden says the program is enriching her life.
"It's helped me stay fit," Gladden said. "I can travel the world."
In addition to competitions, Jumping Dreams leads programs at The Movement School to help students become physically stronger.
"At the Movement School, we contract as one of their forms of physical education," Crawford said. "We take what we love and make sure they're learning physical health, more than just jump rope."
"A lot of kids aren't taught proper nutrition," she said. "So in a day school setting, myself and [the coaches] introduce the food pyramid. We teach them about healthier options."
"We also focus on mental health. Being on a competitive team or any team you have to be mentally strong, you have to communicate and work as a team," Crawford said. "We want to encourage the kids to be the best person they know how to be."
Jumping Dreams is looking for volunteers to help with the children.
"You don't have to necessarily know how to double dutch or teach in that aspect, [rather] someone to spend time with the kids and be a good role model," she said.
Jumping Dreams is preparing for its third Battle of the Borders, an annual community event that aims to bring people together for a day of fitness.
It will feature a double dutch battle among teams representing the Carolinas and surrounding states.
Battle of the Borders is set for 2-5 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at the Boys & Girls Club at 2901 Milton Road, Charlotte.