If You Go
WHAT: Stars of the Future Gymnastics Invitational, hosted by the Green County Gems.
WHEN: Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE: Green County YMCA, 1307 Second St., Monroe
ADMISSION: Family $7; Adults $3, Children $2.
MONROE - A showcase of gymnastics talent will be on display Saturday, when the Green County Gems host the Stars of the Future Gymnastics Invitational at the Green County YMCA.
The invitational will include 125 individuals from six teams, including 20 gymnasts from Monroe, competing in uneven bars, balance beam, floor exercise and vault.
The Green County Gems are the second smallest of the 16 gymnastics teams across the state.
Dawn Lederman, the Green County YMCA gymnastics program director, has high expectations for the event.
"It's nice for the kids to have a home meet on their home turf because grandparents and friends will come who don't usually travel to the away meets," Lederman said. "This year I would like all the kids to qualify for state at the home meet."
The Gems use the meet as a fundraiser and also are 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 collect.
Lederman said all proceeds are used to purchase equipment. Last year, the YMCA bought a vaulting system from the money raised, she said.
Lederman added that the gymnastics equipment is used by other YMCA programs.
"My goal is to get an inflatable bounce house that we could use for birthday parties," she said.
Fifteen of the 20 Green County gymnasts already have qualified for state by meeting all-around criteria depending on their level.
"I enjoy watching the kids grow, be successful and achieve their goals," said Lederman, who has coached the YMCA team for 18 years.
Channeling emotions will be key for the Gems.
"I think the kids get nervous for this meet because there are more family and friends here," Lederman said.
Individual and team awards will be presented.
The invitational will include 125 individuals from six teams, including 20 gymnasts from Monroe, competing in uneven bars, balance beam, floor exercise and vault.
The Green County Gems are the second smallest of the 16 gymnastics teams across the state.
Dawn Lederman, the Green County YMCA gymnastics program director, has high expectations for the event.
"It's nice for the kids to have a home meet on their home turf because grandparents and friends will come who don't usually travel to the away meets," Lederman said. "This year I would like all the kids to qualify for state at the home meet."
The Gems use the meet as a fundraiser and also are 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 collect.
Lederman said all proceeds are used to purchase equipment. Last year, the YMCA bought a vaulting system from the money raised, she said.
Lederman added that the gymnastics equipment is used by other YMCA programs.
"My goal is to get an inflatable bounce house that we could use for birthday parties," she said.
Fifteen of the 20 Green County gymnasts already have qualified for state by meeting all-around criteria depending on their level.
"I enjoy watching the kids grow, be successful and achieve their goals," said Lederman, who has coached the YMCA team for 18 years.
Channeling emotions will be key for the Gems.
"I think the kids get nervous for this meet because there are more family and friends here," Lederman said.
Individual and team awards will be presented.
