NEWTON — For more than 35 years, gymnasts have tumbled, vaulted and balanced on beams with Surrey Gymnastic Society.
The non-profit organization operates a gym adjacent to Frank Hurt Secondary, at 13940 77th Ave. in Surrey.
Close to 600 members of SGS are involved in the group’s recreational and competitive programs.
“We have gymnastics for everyone from 18 months of age to adult drop-in, and we offer great birthday parties and field trips,” Lisa Webb, the society’s administrator, told the Now.
The gym’s next 10-week recreational session begins Jan. 4, with training available for Bobcats-age kids and older.
In February, the society will again host a Gym-a-thon fundraiser, which last year generated $11,000 in pledges to buy new gym equipment.
The organization is also gearing up for its annual SGS Invitational, a competition to be held at Guildford Recreation Centre from March 4 to 6. The event includes the Carol Lenz Memorial and Surrey Classic divisions.
“This year we are anticipating over 600 athletes and easily 1,000 spectators,” Webb noted. “This is a premier event in B.C., and athletes, coaches and families (attend) from all over the province as well as outside B.C.”
The society seeks corporate sponsors and volunteers for the SGS Invitational; call 604-594-2371 to get involved or, for more details, visit Surreygym.com.
SGS boasts three provincial champions for 2015 (Emanuel Gutierrez, Treyson Cerrato and Brady Reeleder). Also this year, head competitive coach John Carroll was named Sport BC’s Official of the Year.
This coming Sunday (Dec. 20), busy parents are invited to leave their kids at the gym for a “Drop and Shop” session that runs from noon to 6 p.m. Fees start at $7 an hour for one child. Call 604-594-2442 for more details.
tom.zillich@thenownewspaper.com
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