The Season for Giving

It's been said that winter is the season for giving. I thought that I could take this time to call your attention to a few good causes that you can donate your time, money or even kind words to this Holiday Season.

(Property of Larry Nassar) 

After being blessed with his own autistic daughter, Caroline, National Team doctor Larry Nassar started the "Gymnastics Doctor Autism Foundation". Their admirable mantra: "Autism is not a problem to be solved but a potential to be realized," has encouraged many in the gymnastics community, including World Champion Team Coach John Geddert to support the cause. This year Geddert's Twistars and numerous college teams are hosting invitationals for the cause which also accepts donations.

With a mission to "offset the costs of gymnastics training by offering funding to funding to underprivileged children," Flip 4 It has earned the support of gymnastics stars like Dominique Dawes. You can help a gymnast like 11 year old Deja Chambliss who describes gymnastics as "the greatest sport anyone can ever do," and sees herself on the 2016 Olympic Podium.

Likely the most well known sports non-profit is the Special Olympics. The primary goal of the Special Olympics is to "provide year-round sports training and athletic competition ... for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.  Their website encourages visitors to "get involved" in their local Special Olympic events. In my experience, just giving an afternoon can significantly influence a child's life.

There are a number of charities both related and unrelated to gymnastics. From the Children's Miracle Network fundraiser held every year by USAG to the Pink Invitational held each year, there are plenty of ways to support positive movements while strengthening the wonderful sport of gymnastics. Whether it be in or out of the sport, I truly encourage you to reach out this holiday season.

Physical Struggles keep Moore out of Elite Competition

Earlier this year, rumors widely circulated about 2008 Junior National Team Member Kamerin Moore returning to Elite competition after spending this season as a Level 10. Other blogs have even reported that she confirmed her comeback on several social networking sites.

Unfortunately, it looks like circumstances have changed.

I spoke with coach John Geddert who said the following:
"Kami is focusing on gaining a scholarship. She would love to do elite gymnastics, but it's just not in the cards. Her mind is willing, but we can't get the body to cooperate."

(Property of Geddert's Twistars)

Kamerin has experienced numerous physical challenges in the past including a torn labrum, a hip socket issue, and a foot surgery late this spring.

I wish Kamerin the best in her future endeavors, wherever gymnastics may take her. Best of Luck in 2012!

Jordyn Wieber Goes Pro

(Photo Property of Intl Gymnast, Debbie Poe)

Wow. Jordyn Wieber announced to the Detroit Free Press this morning that she will be forfeiting her College Eligibility. I'm kind of surprised by this news as she said at Visa Championships that she wanted to compete in College. I could have seen her at UCLA, Florida, or even Michigan, but today, she gave that up. Geddert made a good point by saying that he couldn't really see her competing watered down routines 14 weekends in a row. That definitely sounds true.

Shawn turned Pro in 2007 after she won worlds, never looked back and look how much she's earned. I just hope that this doesn't turn into a Jana Bieger, "I'm going to earn 143 dollars" type thing. Ordinarily, I wouldn't think Jordyn in that light, but her mom said in the article:

"We want to keep distractions at a minimum as she trains for the Olympics. In the future we might look into representation." 


What?! I want Jordyn on my McDonald's cup! Why are you giving up your eligibility then?! There isn't that much prize money out there. I'm happy she turned pro and can't wait to see what sponsorships she receives. I just hope that she doesn't wait to get an agent until her biggest opportunities are over. For Jordyn's sake, hopefully those biggest opportunities won't come until after the 2012 Olympics.