Happy Mother's Day to YOU, the Gym Rat's Mom

Happy Mother's Day to all of my friends that I've met over the years at different Gymnastics Clubs! Thank you USA Gymnastics and Proctor and Gamble for the following  video:

 

I also believe my daughter Emily will do great things after her days of competition are behind her. 

Right now Emily is training 26 hours a week at Gymnastika, in Arvada, CO, she loves every moment and is truly dedicated to her sport.  I ask her daily if she's still up for this schedule, and the answer is always the same "I love to compete, Mom!  I want to be Elite!"  So, as long as she makes the effort, I will be there to support her, but I often remind her there's a life outside the gym, that her schoolwork  and friendships outside of the gym are just as important.

Today I finally had a little time to watch my daughter's practice.  I had not watched a practice since January as my company's busy season kept me running ragged.  When I got there, a half an hour before practice was over, my daughter and her group (Level 6's and 7's) were on the floor practicing tumbling passes.  It was Emily's turn as I watched her complete her back handspring, back layout I was shocked at how much height she was able to get in her back layout on a spring floor, not on a trampoline.  She took my breath away.  It's moments like that one that keep us, the parents inspired to continue to support our children in this sport.  Emily, labeled a problem child with Asperger's Syndrome and ADHD, now channels her frustrations in tumbling passes, switch leaps and twists.  How she amazes and inspires me...

It takes an enormous amount of commitment - both time and resources - to support your gymnast in her goal of mastering this sport with no guarantee that she will make it to collegiate level, much less Elite status, but as parents we are there for our children because we love them and want the best for them.  We'll all be there to support our children no matter what in whatever they choose as their passion.

On a side note:
As we approach a new competition season, since I've been asked by several of my friends about Booster Club rules and regs, here is a great link to all things legal regarding Booster Clubs, what the Gym can, and can not force the parent to do. My best advice to you is to educate yourself and ask for documentation of proof that there is actually a legal organization that is bound by your State's Fundraising laws.  Any legal organization's documentation should be on file with your Secretary of State's office as well.

Word to the wise:  Booster Club Board of Directors are liable for any errors and omissions of legality and should be protected by Directors and Officers insurance policy to protect them against any "errors or omissions" in Booster Club acts and/or policies.  A Board Member can be sued personally for any mistakes made by the Club.

Please click here and educate yourself prior to committing your precious resources:

  Is this Booster Club Legal?

and  please check out The truth about Individual Fundraising Accounts