TNT FITNESS AND GYMNASTICS: ALL CHILDREN – ALL ABILITIES

By Ashley Thornberg

In a festive ballroom with hundreds of proper place settings, well wishers and sparkling bottles of wine, there is a lone centerpiece, largely unassuming, adorned with photos of gymnasts. These athletes are at the center of the table and so too are they at the center of TNT Fitness and Gymnastics. When we think of gymnasts, it’s easy to picture kids flying through the air without fear, apprehension or obstruction. But the truth is there’s no shortage of hindrances that would stop many kids from ever setting foot on gymnastics equipment. At TNT, there are impressive programs for the most perfectly poised gymnast, but if that’s all you see, you’re missing a whole other level of dedication.

TNT Marketing Director Trisha McDonald spoke with Area Woman Magazine about its mission: “All Children ~ All Abilities.” TNT works with 21 schools and 25+ partner organizations in the FM metro area to include aspiring athletes facing developmental, physical, emotional or behavioral challenges to elite athletes in their USA Gymnastics program. “The children and adults at TNT make us better people. We have the opportunity to learn from them as we help build their confidence and skills to overcome life’s challenges.”

That mission is what attracted a sell out crowd of more than 500 people to the 6th annual “In Their Shoes” fundraiser held January 22 at the Holiday Inn.

Vickie son, Will, 17, is in a wheelchair. Ask her how she feels about the outreach at TNT, and there are more tears than words–at first. To see Will out of his chair, rolling around and playing is “unreal. It’s like [his chair] disappears.”

The fundraiser doesn’t just help fund these specialized classes. TNT is expanding 20,000 square feet and raising money to open a public sensory gym as a safe place for special needs children to do what kids do best, play. [AWM]

YOU CAN LEARN MORE AT www.tntkidsfitness.com/