Page 2 - FEBRUARY 2 , 2017 - mARtEnsvillE mEssEngER

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306-244-4950

Ciara O ’ Reilly , Martensville Messenger

Tumblers Gymnastics recently introduced a new class into their gymnastics program . The Special Olympics gymnastics program is an instructor led class designed for kids and adults with special needs . The class took off with its first session this past Sunday , January 29th with five students present . Those of all ages are welcome to take part in the sessions . On Sunday , kids 12 and under had their class booked from 1-2pm and the older gymnasts had theirs from 2-3pm . Participant ages ranged from seven to 29 years old . " Typically we do have lots of adults interested in Special Gymnastics programs so it was no surprise with the interest we had there . We are really interested in having kids starting younger and learning the fundamentals of this class as well ," Lori Morphy , Prairie Ribbon Gymnastics coach , stated .

Lori Morphy has been a gymnast herself for 27 years , and has been coaching the sport for 17 . " The special gymnastics program is special to me because it marries my love and passion for gymnastics with my education in adapting to physical activity and working with the disabled ," added Morphy . The Special Olympic Program is all about providing a safe and clean environment for those with special needs to learn Physical Literacy . “ Many individuals with special needs don ’ t have access to programs like

Opening this fall !

Information Meetings Parents are invited to learn more about Martenville ’ s newest public school

Lake Vista Public School Monday , February 13

Wednesday , February 15 North Ridge Community Centre 901 3rd Street North , Martensville 7:00 ‐ 8:30 p . m .

Please plan to attend one of the Information Meetings to learn more about attendance , transportation , programming and other details of the new school , opening this fall !

this ,” mentions Tumblers ’ head coach , Mark Kurmey . “ It is hard to find a professional coach who has a background in Special Needs . Martensville is lucky because we have four coaches who all work with special needs kids in their professional lives .”

The need for the Special Olympics gymnastics program was apparent as the closest program to the area is located in Prince Albert . The goal for these classes is to introduce special needs children and adults into the world of gymnastics . Throughout the course of classes they will be taught basic movement patterns and explore sensory stimulation in the gym . Participants will also be taking part in basic stretching and strength training through fundamental movements and socialization skills . This group will also require adult supervision to help with focus during the class . Those partaking in this class must have developed good mobility in all joints and should be prepared for more advanced strength and flexibility training . Tumblers initially approached Prairie Ribbons Gymnastics Club to discuss the possibility of running a program like this through Special Olympics . “ Special Olympics only uses Rhythmic Gymnastics as a program and we felt we could offer individuals with Special Needs more than that . After several discussions and multiple

requests from outside sources , we decided it would be an excellent program to create ,” informed Kurmey .

The unification between Tumblers and Prairie Ribbon was that of common sense . Since coming to Martensville , Tumblers ' gymnastics ' Mark Kurmey became in contact with Morphy of Prairie Ribbon Gymnastics as there was fair interest in rhythmic gymnastics . The gymnastics community is rather small , so combining the two organizations just seemed right . Soon enough , coaches would cross between rhythmic and artistic gymnastics , sharing their knowledge and experiences to students . Gymnasts utilize Tumblers and train regularly to improve their careers in gymnastics . “ My daughter spent two years at Prairie Ribbons before our family relocated to Regina for my position with Gymnastics Saskatchewan . I always felt their understandings of fundamentals were incredible and I trust the coaches there implicitly . Tumblers Gymnastics is happy to partner with such a well-established group in the area . We welcome partnerships like this as it helps to grow the sport of gymnastics ,” says Kurmey .

For more information , visit www . tumblersgymnastics . ca or phone ( 306 ) 850-4382 .

Marcy Cross / Martensville Messenger

ABOVE : Through the Special Olympics partnership between Tumbler ’ s Gymnastics and Prairie Ribbon Gymnastics , participants are taught a number of skills .

Marcy Cross / Martensville Messenger

ABOVE : A special Olympics gymnastics program is being held at Tumbler ’ s Gymnastics in Martensville .