It was announced today that U. S. gymnast Simone Biles broke another world record – she now has won more medals than any other gymnast in history. Way to go, Simone. Your country is so proud of you.
And do you know how Simone got started? When she was 6 years old, her day care center took a field trip to a local gym. Simone saw the girls doing gymnastics – tumbling, beams, trampoline. She thought, "I can do that," and started copying them. A coach watched her and realized the raw talent that was there and sent her home with a letter encouraging gymnastics classes. Thank goodness her family was receptive to the idea.
"I was hooked," said Simone. The rest, as they say, is history.
The newest institution in Beverly/Morgan Park's history is the Morgan Park Sports Center at 11505 S. Western Ave. Opened in 2015, this state-of-the-art complex includes a gymnastics facility, an indoor ice arena and a fitness center. It is owned by the Chicago Park District as Park #577.
Field trips and visits can be booked at the Sports Center. What future Olympians are out there just waiting for a chance to shine? They can get a start right here on the Ridge.
The Sports Center is included in the new coloring book, Color Me Morgan Park.