The La Jolla YMCA gymnastics team is performing this week as part of Team USA at the World Gymnaestrada in Dornbirn, Austria.
The team joins 25,000 athletes from 57 countries in this world-class event, which is held every four years and is the largest gymnastics showcase in the world.
After viewing several of the La Jolla YMCA team’s performances in local gymfests, Team USA extended the invitation to participate as part of Team USA at World Gymnaestrada.
“La Jolla YMCA gymnastics is proud to be representing the USA at this event,” said Kristi Gorney, La Jolla YMCA Gymnastics director. “We have been preparing for this for over three years. I believe it will be a very enriching experience for our youth.”
“I am most looking forward to performing in front of all of the other countries. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I am very excited,” added Kelli Hancock, La Jolla YMCA gymnastics team member.
The La Jolla YMCA Gymnastics Team consists of 34 youths ages 6 to 18, most of whom have been on the team together for four years or more.
“Our philosophy is based on personal development for each of the youth,” Gorney said. “Our ultimate goal is to instill a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem so that at the end of each day, the youth leave feeling better than they felt when they arrived. We see this as a way to help them prepare for the challenges that will come their way in life “” both in and out of the gym.”
The La Jolla YMCA team left for Austria on July 4 with a delegation of 60 people, including team members, staff and families.