MONROE - While many children are sitting home after school watching the Disney Channel, 5-year-old Kaegann Paulson 6-year-old Sophia McGuire are eager to show off their gymnastic routines.
Paulson and McGuire are the youngest gymnasts the Green County YMCA has ever had on the Gems gymnastics team in the history of a program that spans 20 years. Both Paulson and McGuire will showcase their talent as part of the Stars of the Future Gymnastics Invitational at the Green County YMCA at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday.
"I want to win a medal," said Paulson, who started gymnastics at the age of 2.
McGuire said she feels special to know she is one of the youngest girls on the team, adding that she likes "the hand stand on the floor."
Dawn Lederman, the Green County YMCA gymnastics program director, said the number of gymnasts on the team and in classes has doubled this year.
"I think they saw the Olympics last year and the success the U.S. gymnastics team had and it sparked a little fire," Lederman said. "A lot of the girls want to be the next Gabby Douglas."
Douglas won the gold medal for the Olympic all-around at the London Games, making her the first African American to do so.
For the first time, the Gems have a Level 2 gymnastics team comprised of eight girls ages 5 to 9. It's the youngest team the Green County YMCA has had, and they too will be at Saturday's invitational.
The invite will include 140 individuals from six teams, including 34 gymnasts from Monroe, competing in uneven bars, balance beam, floor exercise and vault.
Paulson, whose sister, Karis Paulson, is a Level 3 gymnast, enjoys spending time with her sister on the team. Paulson said her favorite event is the uneven bars because she likes to swing.
McGuire, who started gymnastics at 4, said the bars are her favorite.
One of the more challenging events, she said is the beam where they are required to complete a roll. The beam is the hardest event in her opinion.
"We have to do a forward roll," McGuire said.
Many of the gymnasts started on the pre-team and are anxious to display their skills.
"I think the goal is to have them remember their routines and do their skills," Lederman said. "They have a lot of energy, a willingness to learn and work hard."
The Green County Gems are the second smallest of the 16 gymnastics teams across the state and will use Saturday's meet as a fundraiser
They will also be holding a raffle that will continue through Saturday. Raffle tickets are $1, six for $5, 12 for $10 or 25 for $20. Winners need not be present Saturday to win. T-shirts are being sold and a concession stand will be provided.
"It's important we have it every year so we can replace, maintain and update equipment," Lederman said.
Two years ago, the YMCA purchased a vaulting system from the money raised. Lederman said the team will probably buy new mats this year.
The top 30 percent in each age group and level will receive awards.
Paulson and McGuire are the youngest gymnasts the Green County YMCA has ever had on the Gems gymnastics team in the history of a program that spans 20 years. Both Paulson and McGuire will showcase their talent as part of the Stars of the Future Gymnastics Invitational at the Green County YMCA at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday.
"I want to win a medal," said Paulson, who started gymnastics at the age of 2.
McGuire said she feels special to know she is one of the youngest girls on the team, adding that she likes "the hand stand on the floor."
Dawn Lederman, the Green County YMCA gymnastics program director, said the number of gymnasts on the team and in classes has doubled this year.
"I think they saw the Olympics last year and the success the U.S. gymnastics team had and it sparked a little fire," Lederman said. "A lot of the girls want to be the next Gabby Douglas."
Douglas won the gold medal for the Olympic all-around at the London Games, making her the first African American to do so.
For the first time, the Gems have a Level 2 gymnastics team comprised of eight girls ages 5 to 9. It's the youngest team the Green County YMCA has had, and they too will be at Saturday's invitational.
The invite will include 140 individuals from six teams, including 34 gymnasts from Monroe, competing in uneven bars, balance beam, floor exercise and vault.
Paulson, whose sister, Karis Paulson, is a Level 3 gymnast, enjoys spending time with her sister on the team. Paulson said her favorite event is the uneven bars because she likes to swing.
McGuire, who started gymnastics at 4, said the bars are her favorite.
One of the more challenging events, she said is the beam where they are required to complete a roll. The beam is the hardest event in her opinion.
"We have to do a forward roll," McGuire said.
Many of the gymnasts started on the pre-team and are anxious to display their skills.
"I think the goal is to have them remember their routines and do their skills," Lederman said. "They have a lot of energy, a willingness to learn and work hard."
The Green County Gems are the second smallest of the 16 gymnastics teams across the state and will use Saturday's meet as a fundraiser
They will also be holding a raffle that will continue through Saturday. Raffle tickets are $1, six for $5, 12 for $10 or 25 for $20. Winners need not be present Saturday to win. T-shirts are being sold and a concession stand will be provided.
"It's important we have it every year so we can replace, maintain and update equipment," Lederman said.
Two years ago, the YMCA purchased a vaulting system from the money raised. Lederman said the team will probably buy new mats this year.
The top 30 percent in each age group and level will receive awards.
