The agreement was signed at an online signing ceremony between the two organisations.

"We're very excited about the partnership with the International Jump Rope Union," said Novelette Harris, member relations manager for the JOA.

"Jump rope, or skipping as we call it in Jamaica, has been a part of the landscape as children growing up whether on the playground or in the streets.

"We look forward to entering into jump rope on a competitive level and we're really very excited to have our local people get involved at this level, so we look forward to the collaboration with your union."

Under the new deal, both bodies will collaborate in developing the sport in Jamaica.

The IJRU is set to host technical webinars and physical workshops for officials, coaches and judges as well as providing sporting equipment.

They will also cooperate in developing a Caribbean strategy for the sport, with the ambition of using Jamaica as a springboard to develop jump rope across the region.

"The Jamaica Olympic Association will always have the conviction that sport must be accessible, reachable and be played anywhere and everywhere in giving, particularly all youth, an experience in humanity and the physical culture," said Christopher Samuda, JOA President.

"That's why the Jamaica Olympic Association is joining hands in friendship and skipping to the same beat and rhythm as the International Jump Rope Union.

"We believe that sport must cross borders, cross oceans, cross continents and unite people.

"The athletics talent that resides in Jamaica will make this sport rhythmic, energetic and inspirational for we will create opportunities for youth and encourage them to be accomplished skippers."

The IJRU was established in 1973 as the sole international governing body for the sport of jump rope.

It now has a membership of 62 countries across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania.