Three Freehold Gymnastics Club (FGC) gymnasts have been selected to be part of the national team that will be competing in South Africa.
The gymnasts will be representing the U.S. as members of the United States Association of Independent Gymnastics Clubs (USAIGC) team, competing in the South African Gymnastic Challenge in Johannesburg (Centurion) to be held on Feb. 20-22. The competition will include gymnasts from three clubs from South Africa and five clubs from the USA. The gymnasts from FGC are Alexandra Cavanaugh, 13, from Manalapan; Arah Godbole, 15, from Freehold; and Alyssa Rivera, 12, from Monroe.
“We are thrilled that Alex, Arah and Alyssa have been selected as part of this prestigious team,” FGC co-owner and coach Pru McLaughlin said in a club press release. “All three have been attending classes here since they were very young, and it’s been very rewarding to see them develop into the outstanding athletes they have become. I look forward to accompanying them on this wonderful experience and seeing them proudly represent the U.S. and the USAIGC league.”
Two renowned gymnastic coaches will be coaching the team — Russian Yuri Tsykun and Kip Reed, recently recognized as Master of Sport. Paul Spadaro will accompany the team, along with USAIGC/IAIGC International Technical Director Mary Bakke, as well as parents/chaperones and the gymnasts’ club coaches.
In addition to the two-day competition and additional training sessions for both gymnasts and coaches, the South African delegation has planned several sightseeing tours for the U.S. delegation. Several U.S. gymnasts will also attend school with their South African hosts.
The FGC, established in 1992, is located at 4345 Route 9 North in the Pond Road Shopping Center in Freehold. FGC offers classes, and pre-team and team training seven days a week for children ranging from 18 months (Parent and Me) through high school. In addition to its USAIGC competitive teams, the club also competes in the Jersey Optional Gymnastics Association (JOGA).
For additional information on classes, camp or birthday parties, contact the club at 732- 294-9559 or visit www.gymnasticsclubnj.com.