An Olympic boost

The Games of the XXX Olympiad are projected to create a revenue of 10-billion Euros for the British economy. That is the equivalent to just over $12 million U.S. dollars.

Experts say it is a much-needed boost for the global economy. What's more, the positive economic growth is expanding across borders and overseas, reaching even our local economy.

"This has been our busiest summer ever, with our highest enrollment," says coach Megan Snyder of Tumble With Denise Gymnastics Fitness Center, in Lehighton. Snyder, who has been coaching at TWD for 14 years, believes the Olympic Games are responsible for some of the growth.

"We not only have parents enrolling new students, but we are seeing present students adding classes per week and a lot of our summer students have enrolled for the fall too."

Summer student Charli McHugh is a good example of that. Her mom, Connie McHugh of Jim Thorpe, says she decided to enroll her 6-year-old daughter for the fall classes after seeing how much she enjoys watching the Olympic gymnastic competition on TV.

"Our living room turns into a gym," says McHugh. "She cheers and tries to imitate what the gymnasts are doing."

McHugh says she has no doubt the Olympic Games have raised her daughter's interest in the sport.

Long time TWD receptionist, Beth Schnell, says the gym is all a buzz with Olympic fever.

"Our students follow the gymnastic competition in the games," says Schnell, "We're not allowed to talk about the scores and outcomes during class time because the girls like to watch it when they get home."

Owner of TNT Studio of Dance in Lehighton, Debbie Strausberger, agrees the Olympics are captivating and inspiring.

"My daughter is in swimming," says the business owner, "and she has really been amazed at watching the divers. The Olympics are just as strong and important as they ever were."

Strausberger says her studio has not yet had a surge in enrollments, but is waiting to see if that's the case when she holds an open house in September.

"The first year we start with the basics," Strausberger says as she explains what a first-time student can expect to learn at her studio.

"We focus on balance and body control. We also teach students how to properly arch their back and achieve backward movements and tucking techniques."

Strausberger points out every studio has its own curriculum based on the equipment used and says it's important for parents to discuss that curriculum with the instructor.

Owner of Dance Explosion in Nesquehoning, Kira Adams offers some things to consider when choosing a facility.

"Instructor experience and how long the studio has been in business is important," says Adams, who herself has nearly 20 years teaching experience. She says business stability is important because it shows the studio is a reputable place.

Other factors to take into consideration are, "student teacher ratio, class length and the cost," says Adams.

All three instructors pointed out that each child moves at his or her own pace. Some kids just have a natural ability for the sport, but it's important that parents not compare one child to another.

The instructors were also adamant about emphasizing that no parent should push their child into gymnastics or any sport, for that matter.

"Make sure your child enjoys it," says Snyder. The longtime coach says it's very noticeable when a student's heart isn't in it.

Along with a dozen other parents McHugh watches her daughter from the second story observation deck at TWD. It's clear her daughter, Charli, truly enjoys the class.

"Yes she loves it," says McHugh, who says Charli's favorite Olympic gymnast is Gabby Douglas.

And does the young athlete have Olympic dreams of her own?

"Oh yes," says McHugh. "She's already talking about competing in the games one day!"