Double Dutch Forces is a non-profit organization founded in 1985. It teaches children life skills through double Dutch jump roping. The group is based in Columbia and focuses on serving young girls, particularly those from low-income families. Shannia Jackson, the current head coach, has been involved since 1989. She became the leader after the founder, Joy Holman, passed away in 2018.
Jackson says the program has given her new experiences and opportunities. She believes positive role models are important and that her time as a participant motivated her to help others. The team attends competitions in cities such as Miami, New York, and Washington, D.C. These trips give participants a chance to visit new places.
Jackson works with four assistant coaches. One of them is Symone Flagler, who joined two years ago after seeing the group at Martin Luther King Jr. Park. Flagler, who is employed by the City of Columbia, had not jumped rope before joining. She became involved with the team and its mission. At the end-of-season banquet, Flagler received a Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions…