NK Gymnastics offers competitive cheering

New Kent Gymnastics Center is debuting a competitive cheer program for ages tots through high school.

The Virginia Gems will begin open practices in December with tryouts scheduled in May. Once teams are established, competition will start in fall 2013. NKGC’s Virginia Gems will compete against other club teams in the state and beyond.

Competitive cheerleading is quickly growing in popularity across the country with routines full of tumbling, stunting, dance and jumps. Squads are broken up by ages and abilities, all determined at tryouts.

“Competitive cheerleading is a very beneficial sport, and no matter the age or gender your athlete will be tested physically and mentally,” said program coordinator Dayna DeShazo in a press release. “Our teams will have a blast while gaining endurance, strength and flexibility along with building self-confidence, teamwork, determination and a positive work ethic.

“Benefits can last too,” she said. “The opportunity to participate in college cheer becomes greater for athletes who are involved in club cheer teams geared towards personal skill goals. Working directly with a highly experienced coaching staff increases the safety of participants. We are very excited to bring this opportunity to the children of New Kent and surrounding areas.”

Open registration for Session 3 starts Dec. 10. Practices for ages 5-9 will be held Saturday mornings, 11:15-12:45, while ages 10-18 will be held Wednesday nights, 6:45-8:15. Call 557-3855 or visit www.newkentgym.com for more details.