LINDA HERSHEY GYMNASTICS CLASSIC RECAP!

2017-03-20


LINDA HERSHEY GYMNASTICS CLASSIC The inaugural AAU Linda Hershey Gymnastics Classic was a HUGE success! The event, hosted by Parkland Gymnastics & Metro Gymnastics Meets, was held February 18 & 19 in Farmington, Missouri. We had approximately 400 gymnasts from 16 clubs and 3 states attend. Gymnasts attending were 5-17 years of ...

LINDA HERSHEY GYMNASTICS CLASSIC

The inaugural AAU Linda Hershey Gymnastics Classic was a HUGE success! The event, hosted by Parkland Gymnastics & Metro Gymnastics Meets, was held February 18 & 19 in Farmington, Missouri.

We had approximately 400 gymnasts from 16 clubs and 3 states attend. Gymnasts attending were 5-17 years of age in levels 1-9 and all Xcel Levels. About 2000 people attended throughout the weekend. We had customized medals, banners, t-shirts, signs and decorations. Every gymnast received a personalized candy bar too! The arena style atmosphere made for an exciting competition for ALL levels. Coaches enjoyed the beautiful facility and efficient organization of the event. Event surveys were distributed with 100% returned showing only positive feedback! Every survey indicated that people were excited to return for next years event.

Thank you to all the wonderful volunteers, parents, spectators, coaches, gymnasts and officials who helped make the event possible. Thank you to the wonderful Farmington community for your generosity and enthusiasm! Thank you AAU for the support and encouragement.

Who is Linda Hershey? And why is this event named after her?

The AAU Linda Hershey Gymnastics Classic is named in honor of Linda Willson. She is a gymnastics professional who has been dedicated to the sport for more than 50 years. Linda was one of the first gymnasts on the SEMO collegiate team and participated in the 1968 Olympics. She has been an inspirational coach to thousands of gymnasts and helped to integrate the lower levels into competitions. Linda continues to support clubs as a guest coach and judges at local competitions.

Linda recently retired from teaching special education in St. Louis. She had a gift of relating to students and was responsible for making the CO-OP/Division of Voc Rehab Program an enormous success. She was invited back to teach her strategies to other schools. Linda is also published author of 2 childrens books: “Excellent Emma,” which is a story about a struggling gymnast, and “Lazy Larry’s Luck.”

We thank Linda for her dedication, professionalism and passion for gymnastics. Her generosity in all aspects of life are nothing short of inspiring. We are honored to have such a class act representing our sport!

Click Here for More Pictures from the event!