Lakeshore Gymnastics Hosts Olympia Gymnastics Camp

Three big names in Gymnastics came to The Courts in Chesterton this week to instruct classes and training sessions will gymnastsoylmpic_gymnastics1 from all over the Midwest at Lakeshore Gymnastics and Dance. Olympic medalists Svetlana Boginskaia, Dominique Moceanu, and Sam Peszek were all on hand to train and coach the young gymnasts for the week.

Lakeshore Gymnastics began in 1986 and was housed in the old Skateland Arena in Chesterton. The gym opened it's doors on September 26, 1986. In 2006, the gym was purchased by Rob and Shelly Surber. Rob was a long time coach and instructor both at Lakeshore and the High School level. This year, Lakeshore welcomed the Olympia Gymnastics Camp to it's new facility at The Courts in Chesterton.

“These kids come in here and some of them have never seen an Olympian before. It has been a huge success for her and for us. The
kids are just thrilled” Rob Surber said.oylmpic_gymnastics2

Over 112 young gymnasts participated in the camp which they work with the Olympians for four days on many different skills. There are seven different camps nation wide and the final and largest was held here in Northwest Indiana.

“It is exciting. They are always moving and they are always flipping,” Boginskaia said “I and the other coaches are here to give our knowledge back to the children to learn gymnastics.”

All three Olympians are respected around the world. Between the three, there are four gold medals, two silver and one bronze. Every Olympic games since 1988, except Sydney and Athens, are represented by these three outstanding athletes.

“I think gymnastics in general teaches you so many life lessons and life skills,” Boginskaia said “I think any gymnast that has spent a long time in the gym is very punctual. It is like a job.”

Lakeshore Gymnastics is hoping that the Olympia Gymnastics Camp will return to Northwest Indiana next year, being as this oylmpic_gymnastics3was the largest camp that they have seen since starting the program.

For photos from the camp, click here!