The gymnastics program at the Hodding Carter Memorial YMCA is in need of financial help, and gymnastics director Missy Coppage is asking members of the community to step forward to help keep it alive.
“Like a lot of businesses and organizations, our financial problems are driven by COVID-19,” Coppage said. “We were closed down completely for a while, and we have not been able to run our recreational program which is a really significant loss for us.”
Coppage’s competitive program, meanwhile, has had to find unique ways to keep its gymnasts in shape for the season. The gymnasts began by using video communications through Zoom to get instruction from their coaches and also held practices outside. They have recently moved indoors for their competitive practices, but are following strict social distance guidelines.
Gymnastics classes and team competitions have been an integral part of the Hodding Carter Memorial YMCA for decades. Currently the program impacts the lives of over 100 children and young adults in the community. The facility provides children with a family-friendly atmosphere that celebrates the abilities and strengths of each gymnast within the program, Coppage said.
“The opportunity for our youth to learn athletic, social, and life lessons through their involvement with our Y Gymnastics Program is now in jeopardy,” Coppage said. “Each time our Y has alerted the community of an urgent need, the community has responded to our call for help.”
To sustain the program, Coppage said it must secure pledges or gifts totaling $3,000 per month for a 24-month period beginning in September.
The program is accepting monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual pledges. It is also accepting one-time gifts.
If interested in donating, you can call the YMCA at (662) 335-7258 or go to the team’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/deltaexplosiongymnastics.
