What a way to start a season!  Congratulations to the members of our Levels 6 & 8 Artistic Gymnastics Teams who competed this past weekend in the Spooktacular State Qualifying Meet.  Alazia, Jessica, Nicole, Samantha and Sarah all qualified for States at their first meet of the season.  Top honors went to Alazia on floor exercise and a solid 2nd place finish on floor for Samantha, as well.  All the gymnasts received individual awards on different apparatus. The rest of our team is hard at work in the gym, training from 12­16 hours per week.  Last year, our team was devastated by Hurricane Sandy.  Many of our members suffered a loss, whether it was to their home or cars.  This tragic event did not stop them from making it to practice. Our team came together and we took care of each other.  This year, our facility was closed due to the government shut down, one month prior to our first meet of the season.  Thankfully, MidIsland Gymnastics in Hicksville and Nova Gymnastics in Brooklyn opened their doors to us.  This helped ensure that our ladies would be ready to compete this past weekend.  I have to admire their dedication.  Even when a facility was not available, the girls continued to stretch and condition at home.

The AAGBC (Aviator Artistic Gymnastics Booster Club) is a parent-­run organization.  It is a committee of parents dedicated to fostering our young ladies’ aspirations.  Last season, we ran several successful fund­raising events.  These funds were used to donate items to the gymnasium (e.g., handstand trainer, tumble mats) in order to help improve the team members’ skills and abilities.  This season, we will hold our Annual Cartwheel­A­Thon, as well as an iPad Raffle, just in time for the holidays!  Members of our committee are at the gymnastics center weeknights from 5­-9 pm.  Please come see us for more information about how you can help our girls achieve their dreams!

­Jennifer Dooley, Director of Gymnastics