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Ancient sport of gymnastics tumbles into Conrad |
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Wednesday, 12 March 2008 |
By Buck Traxler, I-O Editor
 STEADY – Skylar Stenson is held steady as she practices a hand stand during the Tuesday evening gymnastics class at PVS. I-O Photo by Buck Traxler
Gymnastics, which can be traced back as far as 5000 BC, where Egyptian hieroglyphics show gymnastic activity, is fast becoming a big-time affair on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
Beginning at 6:30 p.m. on those days, some 65 young girls and boys are releasing pent up energy, on the mats at either PVS of Meadowlark school gyms.
Under the watchful eye of the newly formed Gymnastics Club instructor Becky Rammell and a whole bunch of helpful parents, young students are learning the sport in a safe way as well as learning gym skills in the proper order.
Rammell taught gymnastics in Billings and again later in Great Falls before taking time to be with a new daughter and family.
And now that her daughter is three years old she is back to instructing.
She is a USGA safety certified and also KAT (Kinder Accreditation Training) certified.
Llew Jones, whose daughter Dania is going through a routine on the floor, says, “This is something Conrad needed, just look at these kids as they move from station to station.”
He went on to add, “This is a huge effort by parents. They have really stepped up.” Jones said that besides help from parents, as well as the school district for use of the gym(s), Stockman Bank and Bliss Cycle had each donated $500, Wells Fargo Bank $250 and the Lions Club $200 to help get the new program going.
Adele Stenson, a MSU Extension agent, has a 10-year old daughter in the program. She commented, “As a mom, what I like about the program is that in addition to improving their coordination, the girls are gaining self-confidence and working together like a team – helping each other, encouraging each other, and celebrating each one’s successes. That’s true sportsmanship.”
When asked what she liked about the gymnastics program, Skylar Stenson commented, “It’s a lot of fun and it helps me be stronger.”
Bruce and Christy Porter have two daughters in the gymnastics program.
They both commented what a good thing this is for Conrad. Porter, the new CEO at the hospital also noted, with a chuckle, “It would be nice to be able to bottle all that energy out there.”
Under the direction of Rammell, safe gymnastics is stressed for these first-time students. “It’s important to be prepared, stay safe and uninjured,” she commented.
Her charges are taught to follow and learn skill progressions as well in the proper order of progression.
If you would like more information about the Gymnastic Club, call 271-3725 or 271-3104.
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