Competitive gymnast Aimee Wallace warms up before her event at Nassau ‘Nastics. (Photo by Arthia A. Nixon)

Members of Nassau Nastics, the country’s oldest gymnastics club are getting into gear to show off their skills and talents at Gymfest 2008, set to take place at the Kendal Isaacs National Gymnasium on Saturday, May 3.

“Members from our Oakes Field and Seagrapes locations look forward to this grand event each year,” said Head Coach Trevor Ramsey. “Those who attend will get to see some of our award-winning gymnasts who’ve represented the country abroad as well as some of our new members who will be making their performance debuts. The seasoned gymnasts will show off exactly what earned them their medals and ribbons abroad while our tots will be demonstrating their skill level which includes tumbling and other fun activities.”

Nassau ‘Nastics Head Coach Trevor Ramsey spots a gymnast on the uneven bars in their Oakes Field facility. (Photo by Arthia A. Nixon)

According to Coach Ramsey, who splits his time between both gym locations, Gymfest 2008 will be an exciting event climaxing with performances from several dance, cheerleading, judo and other athletic performance groups at 7pm. Activities planned for the day include an afternoon cheerleading clinic starting at 1:30pm at the cost of $5 per student. Meanwhile, children ages four and up can take advantage of free gymnastics lessons from 10:30am to 12pm and their skills on the balance beam, tumbling mats and vaulting apparatus under the supervision of highly trained coaches.

A three year-old member of the Nassau ‘Nastics Tots Program displays her balance beam skills. (Photo by Arthia A. Nixon)

 

“Gymfest serves to show the community our students’ capabilities, as well as offer the club an opportunity to raise funds for further events, team travel abroad, coach training, the purchase of new equipment, and to provide student scholarships for those in need,” explained Coach Ramsey. “That is part of the reason we are so appreciative to the generous donors who have made our organization a tremendous success. Even though this is one of the newest sports in the country, some of our future goals include expanding the program at all levels, be it preschool, recreational or internationally competitive. Enhancing the gymnastics apparatus currently in the Nassau ‘Nastics gym, coaching clinics for staff, scholarships for those in need and when appropriate, obtaining college scholarships abroad for those that qualify.”

At present Nassau Nastics continues as a non-profit children’s club, offering students from 18 months and up a unique opportunity to develop all-around physical as well as mental and social skills that few sports offer. The club consists of over 120 members taking part in classes from Monday through Saturday.

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For more information on Gymfest 2008 contact 242-356-7722, 364-8423 or 395-5594.