This blog has been created to chronicle Kaylie's experiences in gymnastics, as well as to keep family and friends updated on her progress, and to establish a place to post information on fundraising events to support her gymnastics goals.
Kaylie started gymnastics last August, and by October had mastered level 1, and moved up to a level 2 class. She spent the next six months working hard, and mastered not only the level 2 skills, but started learning level 3 skills. In April, Kaylie moved up to level 3--where she stayed for 3 weeks! She had been given a private lesson with one of the head coaches as a 10th birthday gift, and after working with her for the first time, he offered her the opportunity to train for the level 4 team.
So in May, Kaylie joined the other girls who had also been invited to train for the team and she is now working 6 hours a week in the gym. In June, the schedule will increase to 9 hours per week. The first day of training was tough--the other girls had all spent at least several months in a level 3 class, and then had the opportunity to attend weekly 3 hour practices in April to decide if they wanted to join the level 4 training. That first class was pretty grueling---and I think it was difficult to go from being at the top of her class, to the bottom! However, Kaylie never lets anything keep her down for long, and by the second class she was mentally geared up to work hard and achieve her goals.
She has now completed her 3rd class, and we are starting to notice small improvements already. She has a ways to go, and expects to be the least skilled member of her group for a while yet, but she knows with hard work and determination, that will change in time. Right now her goal is to build her muscle strength and flexibility so that she can master the skills necessary to officially join the team, and compete in her first meet in October of this year.
In order to help fund her training and cover her competition fees (we know she'll make it!!) we, her family, have been brainstorming ways to earn some extra money. This is where we hope you, her extended family and friends, can help. We anticipate needing about $2500 to $3000 to fund a year of training and competition.
The first thing we will be doing, is putting some things up for auction on ebay. I am going to auction several dolls from my Barbie collection, as well as some of my scrapbooking kits and necklaces I have made. We are hoping to receive additional donated items to auction as well. If you have anything you don't mind donating, please let us know!
Another idea is to have a recycling drive in our neighborhood--help the environment, and support a young girl's dreams at the same time! If you are interested in having a recycling drive in your neighborhood to support Kaylie, please let me know and I can provide you with a flyer to pass out to your neighbors.
Other ideas include holding a raffle, a carwash and finding sponsorships. Of course, we also would welcome any "cash" donations, if you wish to make one. We have set up an email address for Kaylie's gym fund in order to accept payments via Paypal. This email address is: gymgirlkcc@sbcglobal.net
We certainly understand in these difficult financial times that supporting Kaylie with a donation may not be possible for you at this time, but please feel free to post comments here to support her with your friendship, and if you know someone who might be interested in helping, please send them a link to this blog!
Check back every few weeks, as we will be updating with notices of ongoing auctions, events and progess reports on how Kaylie is doing with her training.
the Mom
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