Gymnastics Boosters Donate $25,000, Highlight Rare City-Sponsored Competitive Program In Marin County

NOVATO, CA — The Novato Gymnastics Boosters donated $25,000 to the City as their annual contribution in support of the city-sponsored gymnastics program at Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

Carrie Walsh, president of Novato Gymnastics Boosters, told the council the contribution is part of an ongoing effort to reinvest in a program that serves children from toddler age through high school.

Walsh noted that the program has become a major draw for families and visitors alike. Across its meets last year, Walsh said Novato gymnastics events hosted more than 1,200 attendees.

The upcoming Novato Classic, scheduled for Feb. 6–8, is expected to bring 550 participants over the course of the weekend, not including spectators.

“Novato gymnastics program is one of the few city sponsored programs that has a competitive gymnastics team in the country,” Walsh said.

City leaders praised both the financial support and the deeper community impacts of the program, which is run in partnership with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department and supported by parent volunteers.

The city's gymnastics program was enthusiastically praised by city officials. Councilmember Pat Eklund described the program as a highlight with an invaluable booster partnership, and Mayor Rachel Farac said the program was a treasure in the city.