“We are so grateful to Discover Foundation for the partial scholarship that allows Eleni Rose to participate on the Level 3 team. Coach Kenny approached us while Eleni Rose was in the recreational 4 year old class and suggested that she move up to Tiny Twisters in order to prepare her to compete competitively. One of the “words of the week” that Coach Kenny had taught the 4 year olds that year was “determination”. Eleni Rose latched onto that as a four year old, not only in gymnastics but in other areas of her life. Her determination to train, practice and master new skills has been humbling for me to observe as her parent. I asked her once, what her thoughts are as she is ready to start her floor routine during a meet and I was stunned to hear her say, “I just say, okay, I’ll do it”; This sums up for me what gymnastics has given Eleni Rose; poise, confidence and faith to execute when she’s put in the hard work.

Given the size of our family we could not continue to support her endeavors without help from the Foundation. It was difficult to think about asking about scholarship money for Eleni Rose as we are blessed with work, but this was the only way we could see forward in helping her continue her commitment to gymnastics. Thank you!” — Eleni Rose’s Mother

A note from Eleni Rose :
“I’m grateful that this scholarship has let me be on the team so that I can learn lots of new skills. This year I’ve mastered my Roundoff Backhand spring; Roundoff two Backhand springs on the tumble track; standing Backhand spring on the trampoline and tumble track; back walk over on the beam, and I almost have my Kip! Thank you!”

 

“I am very grateful to Discover Fitness Foundation for presenting my daughter, Berlin, with a scholarship. This scholarship will definitely widen her horizons with gymnastics, it will prompt her to continue practicing as well as loving what she loves most. As a parent with limited resources this gives me a sigh of relief knowing that Berlin will get qualifying training and continue improving her talent. This particular scholarship gave her a lot of exposure to gymnastics. She is truly excited about her participation with Discover. She is so talented and continues to work hard improving her skills. I am currently elated and want to thank Discover Fitness Foundation, Donors and personnel for this scholarship!” — Berlin’s Family

 

 

 

 

“We cannot thank you enough for what you do for our Daughter Dawn. We have seen such a difference in her strength, coordination and overall muscle tone. What you guys have made possible for her is amazing. If it was not for the DFF Dawn would not be able to experience participating in gymnastics/fitness program to the degree she has. This program is a big key to those on the Autism Spectrum as it helps with sensory processing and motor skills. Dawn has really enjoyed her experiences with the skills she’s learned: how to jump up and off things, to take turns and to not be afraid of the different textures in the floor. Thank you!” — Dawn’s Mother

 

 

 

“Our daughter has greatly looked forward to each day that she has participated in the gymnastics program provided by the Discover Fitness Foundation. It has provided her the opportunity to experience movement activities on various forms of gymnastics equipment that she does not have regular exposure to and she has not been given the chance to do so in safe, but fun and creative manner.

Being an adolescent with autism, she has also experienced emotional growth and maturation from her gymnastics experience. Each week she has had the opportunity to successfully manage what she viewed as an unfamiliar and “different” environment. This has helped reinforce the powerful lesson that my daughter continues to benefit from – new environments people and experiences should be embraced, not avoided! We are extremely grateful to the Discover Fitness Foundation and to all those who contribute to its success!!” — Julianne’s Mother

“Thank you so much for providing this wonderful program. I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for having Wanda in your program. Without this program Wanda would have sat and watching television around all day. She probably would not have the confidence do cart wheels and dance routines by herself. Also, this help her to improve her muscle and now she is very happy girl with a great spirit of help. The generous support of individuals like you makes it possible for my children to grow up healthy. That is because my children love coming to the Discover Gymnastics to do their exercises routine. Also, it gives them an opportunity to interact with other children which helps them develop social skills. I am deeply appreciative of your support.” — Wanda’s Mother
A note from Wanda: “Thank you for having me in your program. When I go to my classes, I feel excited and happy because Iget to make new friends and my coach encouragement me a lot to do new set of exercises and dance routines. When Dance Fitness Program started, I had to learn hard stunts and quick dance routines. Then I would practice the dance routines and stunts at home so I could get them. Finally I started to improve on my dancing. In the future, I would like to be a volunteer at Discover Gymnastic.”

“We are so grateful for the gymnastics scholarship Milo receives from Discover Fitness Foundation. Milo is crazy for gymnastics! He works hard everyday and his hard work and dedication sure do make a difference! Last year, Milo took 1st All Around at all of his meets, including States! This year, he competed one meet at level 5, took 1st All Around, and is now competing the rest of the season in Level 6, Division 1. Milo’s involvement in the gym is amazing! Gymnastics has made Milo strong in body and mind and has taught him the importance of eating healthy. He is a great role model and inspires younger athletes to do their best. Milo’s caring and compassion make my mama heart melt ( ! ), he notices his teammates’ feelings and if they happen to not do so great at a meet, he will make and present a medal to them! His dedication does not stop there either! The commitment shows not only in the gym, but in our homes and communities as well. We cannot thank you enough, DFF, for giving our family this opportunity, as we could not do it without your help! The stories that come to our inbox from you are truly inspiring and we are impressed by all of those that are encouraged to reach their Peak! Thanks again DFF!”— Milo’s Mother

A note from Milo: “Thank you Discover Fitness Foundation for making it possible for me to be on the competitive gymnastics team. I love gymnastics! Gymnastics keeps me fit and helps me be the best I can be.”
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 “We cannot thank you enough for what you do for our son Evan. We have seen such a difference in his strength, coordination and overall muscle tone. What you do for kids with special needs is unbelievable. If it was not for the DFF Evan would never experience participating in gymnastics/fitness program. It’s great to see him working and socializing with his peers. This program is essential to those on the Autism Spectrum as it helps with sensory processing and motor skills. Evan has really enjoyed his experiences with the DFF and would love to continue participating in the program.” — Evan’s Mother
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“Gavin has a real talent for gymnastics and a true love of the sport.  He was moved to the competitive team after only a month in recreational classes at Texas Star. Gymnastics has helped Gavin learn self-control, as well as learning to control his emotional responses, as well as taught him about keeping your body healthy. Over the last year and a half, he has advanced so well he skipped level 5.  The hours and financial commitment for him to continue has been rough on our family.  When I told Gavin that he had received the DFF scholarship, so he could go back to full hours of practice, he started jumping around his room cheering.  Thank you Discover Fitness Foundation for continuing to make it possible for my husband and I to continue to support Gavin with his passion for a sport! ”  — Gavin’s Mother
A note from Gavin: “Thank you for helping me go on with gymnastics I love the sport and my team with it. The sport makes me happy and I have a lot of fun it means a lot to have your support. Gymnastics also helps me stay healthy and its UN REAL how strong I am and If then did not have you then I would not have that strength.  THANK YOU :D“

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“Miyana received a Scholarship from the Discover Fitness Foundation. She had been taking one Gymnastics class a week, and within 3 months she found that she had true talent and love for the sport. Her passion, hard work, focus and determination in class paid off and she found herself with an opportunity to be on the Hope team competitive level in less than 3 months of just attending Discover Gymnastics, and in less than a year she was able to move up 2 competitive levels since she started Gymnastics. The financial commitment was a strain for me as I am a single parent and attending college. The Discover Fitness Foundation Scholarship enables Miyana to pursue her passion. She trains hard and competed in several meets. It is hard to put into words how amazing it is to see Miyana so happy in making her dreams come true. Her smiles after practices and meets say it all!! Thank you Discover Fitness Foundation for all that you do and for this opportunity!” — Miyana’s Mother
A note from Miyana: “Thank you Discover Fitness Foundations for helping me achieve my dreams. I love Gymnastics because I get to learn new things, and make new friends, and also love my coaches they help me with anything I need. I have learned so much and will love to keep learning.“

Solen “Solen received a scholarship from the Discover Fitness Foundation. He had been taking one gymnastic class a week and found he had a true talent and love for the sport. His passion, hard work, focus and determination in class paid off and he found himself with an opportunity to be on the competitive Level 4 boy’s team. The financial commitment was a strain for the family. We applied for and received the Discover Fitness Foundation Scholarship which enabled Solen to pursue his passion. He trained hard and competed in several meets. In the state competition he placed first in the parallel bars and sixth in the all-around competition. It is difficult to put into words how amazing it is to see my child so happy in making his dream come true. His smiles after practices and meets say it all! Thank you Discover Fitness Foundation!” — Solen’s Mother

Cheyenne“I am so grateful my daughter, Cheyenne, has received a scholarship through the Discover Fitness Foundation. I would not have been able to afford the classes without the help. Cheyenne has special learning needs and emotional needs but she has benefited in so many ways from gymnastics classes. She is doing things she couldn’t do before. She has a better self-image and more self-esteem. Thank you for this opportunity so that Cheyenne can prosper inside and out.” — Cheyenne’s Mother

IMG_0168“Through the Discover Fitness Foundation, our Soaring Kidz have been able to experience the freedom to participate in an organized gymnastics program for the 1st time for many of the kids. The staff takes very special attention in dealing with each child on their level and their comfort zone. The parents have expressed their extreme gratitude in watching their children achieve and participate in something they truly enjoy. It’s been such a blessing to call Discover Gymnastics and the DFF, family over the past several years.” — Mina Iskander, Founder of Soaring Kidz

20141003_100322“Through the gymnastics classes organized and funded by the Discover Fitness Foundation, our students have the opportunity to practice their individual objectives in a fun and engaging way outside of the classroom. With the guidance of their coaches, they practice skills such as flexible sequencing, inhibition, perseverance, turn taking, communication, following directions, and gross motor skills. As these skills progress, confidence rises and students who experience many challenges in life feel a sense of increased competence. The Monarch School is appreciative of the meaningful and joyful experiences the Discover Fitness Foundation has generously provided and to Star Gymnastics for warmly welcoming us and accommodating our students.” — The Monarch School

Makenzie 3“Makenzie is a 9 year old talented, unique, competitive gymnast in California.  She has become State Champion 2 years in a row.  In 2014 we found Discover Fitness Foundation in a GK Elite Catalog. Makenzie saw the quote “To become a champion, give 100% every day, practice like you compete, and never give up on your dream!” by Svetlana Boguinskaia, which is now her favorite quote and motivation. Without Discover Fitness Foundation Makenzie would not be able to compete as an Optional Level gymnast. She is 9 years old and competing level 7 in Spring. Not only is she a competitive gymnast, she was also born with Craniosynostosis and Severe Torticollis. She has had 3 major head surgeries to date and there may be the need for more surgeries in her future. I believe everything she has went through has made her stronger and has made her who she is today.   I want others to see that no matter what struggles you go through in life you can achieve anything you set your mind to. With Discover Fitness Foundation Athletic Scholarship they have provided Makenzie a way to succeed in what she does best.  Thank you so much Discover Fitness Foundation.”  — Makenzie’s Mother

DFF pictures - 2 “We are grateful for the opportunity that our daughter has to experience a top quality program in gymnastics.  Discover Fitness Foundation has provided a place for Rebekah to develop gymnastics skills in a fun, individually challenging way.  Rebekah has grown inher confidence, poise, and strength as she has participated with her team at city and state gymnastics tournaments.  All of these gains have transferred into her daily life where we see her moving with grace and surety among her typically developing peers.  We thank all of the donors who have made this unique program possible for the benefit of Rebekah and Discover’s Superstars!” — Rebekah’s mother

2014-07-02 Special Needs Program 021“What a blessing it is to have Discover Fitness Foundation in our life. This program has given Chloe so many opportunities to demonstrate her physical abilities and strength. We are so fortunate to everyone for making this opportunity possible and giving our daughter an opportunity to shine and be a gold medalist in our eyes! Discover Fitness Foundation is truly a part of Chloe’s life today and always.” — Chloe’s Mother

Samuel Lee“Samuel is 12 years old and has Down Syndrome. He started class through a scholarship from the Discover Fitness Foundation three years ago. Since that time we have seen a huge improvement in his strength, coordination, and focus. Not only has his fitness level improved, but he has also benefited cognitively and socially. Thank you to the Discover Fitness Foundation for providing this wonderful opportunity for Sam to participate in the sport of gymnastics!” — Samuel’s Mother

Patrick“Patrick’s disability (autism) makes it difficult for him to participate in a team sport, but through gymnastics, he has been able to participate on an individual level, while also being part of a team. This program is amazing! It is not something we would have participated in, if not for the Foundation’s help, but it has really changed our lives for the better.” — Patrick’s Mother

Reece“This one opportunity has helped my son Reece with autism on many, many levels. There are no words to describe how grateful we are to watch our son flourish through this program.” — Reece’s Mother

Richie 1“The Foundation has been a real blessing to us; Richie’s progress and development is truly remarkable in a program that we would not be able to afford without generous donations.” — Richie’s Mother

Aliyah“Aliyah is a part of the DFF Special Needs Program and it has given her a chance at a normal life. This program not only accepts these children, it gives them friends and therapy all in one. And to see the smile that this program brings my child; brings happy tears to my eyes.” — Aliyah’s Mother

Kaili 2“Kaili hated therapy and each visit was a struggle to achieve her cooperation. Now that we go to gymnastics, she doesn’t realize she is actually doing therapy and has progressed by leaps and bounds! Our family has limited income and without the scholarship from the Foundation, none of this would be possible.” — Kaili’s Mother

Emliy 1 “This program touches our lives in a positive way. We are grateful to all those who play a part in this gift to our family. Without the help of donors, Emily would not be able to participate in gymnastics. It is difficult to manage the life of a disabled child but this foundation has made that possible for us.” — Emily’s Mother