Local Gymnasts to Perform With Olympic Medalists

A gymnastics dream come true is about to happen for four local members of The Desert Recreation District Gymnastics Academy.     

The quartet will participate alongside members of the 2012 Gold Medal Winning U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Team, including all-around gold medalist Gabby Douglas, during the opening and closing ceremonies of the Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions on Sept. 9 at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario. I

2008 Olympic all-around champion Nastia Liukin, and 2008 silver medalists Chellsie Memmel and Alicia Sacramone will also be part of the stellar cast.

The Coachella Valley foursome includes a pair of 9 year olds, Jasmin Avendano of Coachella and Anna Burr of La Quinta, plus two hailing from Indio, 10-year-old Savannah Gonzalez and 13-year-old Victoria Vera.In addition to spending 4 to 16 hours each week training, they will also be busy practicing the choreography for the opening ceremonies. Prior to the start of the show, they will participate in a four-hour group rehearsal.

Their gymnastics experience ranges from beginner to state champion. Avendano, a Competitive Level 3 gymnast, will compete in her first meet in September in Corona, Calif. Gonzalez, a Competitive Level 7 gymnast, was the 2011 State Uneven Bar champion. Burr, who will compete as a Level 5 gymnast this fall, has been on a competitive team for three years, while Vera is a Level 3/4 Recreation gymnast who has also been a featured player with the Date Festival Pageant.

Since 2006, the District Gymnastics Academy has offered the most comprehensive gymnastics program in the valley with more than 500 participants every month.For questions on the gymnastics program, cheer program or other classes and activities, contact MyRecreationDistrict.com or call (760) 347-3484.