If you check the Balance 180 website, you will fin...

If you check the Balance 180 website, you will find their mission statement, which includes making high-quality gymnastics training available to all kids--typical or not, without financial barriers, and in a way that does not interfere with their successful development in all other areas of life. They do this wonderfully well. They have a tremendous depth of competitive gymnastics coaching expertise for the kids who want to develop those capabilities. Most important to me as the parent of a developmentally disabled child, they are committed to adapting gymnastics training so that ANY child can participate and reap the benefits (physical fitness and skills, the satisfaction of meeting challenges and goals, teamwork and exchanging support). The adaptive program runs in parallel to the competitive programs for typical kids, and is supported by a huge group of trained volunteers mostly from UF graduate students training in physical therapy, medicine, special education and other relevant areas. Every kid is matched with volunteer buddies who make it possible for their skills to progress. They have also brought Special Olympics gymnastics to this area. My daughter looks forward to her time at B180 all week. It's a Gainesville-grown program that gives back 1000-fold into the local community, but is deservedly developing a much wider reputation. Don't hesitate to send your kids here for great training and fun, and consider the organization for a donation that directly benefits the local community.