Olympics
Special Post: Mixed Emotions on the Passing of a Giant
So, I am saddened by Bela’s passing. I believe that his soul will return to this Earth to try again and hopefully he will evolve and grow to refill the holes he had dug in this go-around. Until then, I will respect the gifts he shared with the world, but will always qualify that respect against the damage he left us to clean up.
Read MoreKids milestones: growing in Gymnastics (part 2)
By this age, coaches can interact with specific skill stations while others can be self-directed. The kids become more aware of others’ feelings (empathy) at this age. Some time is given in class for team building activities, things like team challenges, or games can help develop a sense of feeling for, and with, other people. They are beginning to understand cause and effect relationships. Classes help them understand that certain movements or patterns will cause specific results. For example putting the arms out to the side while turning makes the turn slower and often can lead them to be off center. Understanding these relationships allows them to understand why they have specific techniques to skill performance.
Read MoreWhat age should kids start gymnastics?
They really think being upside down is an interesting perspective. Kids love to see the world differently whether hanging upside down or supporting themselves with their feet elevated. This perspective change is fun and stimulates the vestibular apparatus in the inner ear even more. Kids are experiencing the joy of independent movement and are ready for more challenges now that their first attempts are “mastered”.
Read MoreEven Prouder to be an American
Yet the critics still cast shade. The same critics that demanded change are the ones who now criticize such vital in-meet decisions as cowardly or not worthy of American pride. Let me point out that our team left Japan with All Around and Floor Exercise Gold, a Vault Silver, Bars and Beam Bronzes and a Team Silver medal. They also left happy and uninjured. Isn’t that a victory in itself? This is exactly what we should be cheering for, and to miss that opportunity to elevate the game in that regard is a shame.
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