Gymnastics Training Center Celebrates 35 Years of Business in Simsbury

A Simsbury institution for 35 years, the — tucked behind off of Hopmeadow Street — continues to offer classes for children of all ages. Owners Nancy and Chuck Ford are planning an open house next month in honor of National Gymnastics Day, and even hope to help set a world record.

In a location originally constructed to house a taxi cab company and recreational vehicle showroom, the training center — at 520 Hopmeadow Street — has a deceptively large amount of space for mats, trampolines, and various types of gymnastics equipment. In additional to Olympic-level horses, bars, and balance beams, the center has smaller scale equipment for younger gymnasts.

Children as young as six-months old can be accommodated by the varied programs of the center. The Me and My Shadow program, housed in its own special room, introduces infants, toddlers and their parents to developmentally appropriate activities to facilitate movement.

The mission of the center, according to Nancy Ford, is to share the sport of gymnastics with children.

“Our philosophy for our programs is start here, go anywhere,” said Chuck Ford. “We are basically teaching strength, flexibility, and body awareness. Those three things are needed in every sport.”

“And hopefully along with that, we help to develop confidence in the child and the ability to believe in themselves.”

The Fords said many of their students have gone on to compete in collegiate sports including, but not limited to, gymnastics.

“We have had many successful kids. Some of our kids go on to do collegiate gymnastics, collegiate soccer, and collegiate baseball,” said Nancy Ford.

Chuck Ford served as coach of the Simsbury High School gymnastics team for some 20 years. Simsbury won 13 state titles under his tenure. The program has since been discontinued.

The center is affiliated with the USA Gymnastics network and maintains competitive teams within that circuit. They also host meets at various times throughout the year, either regional competitions or in-house events for parents and friends.

On Sept. 17, the center will be hold an open house to celebrate its 35^th anniversary. There will be tours of the facility for the public, in addition to offering refreshments and recreation activities for children, including inflatable bouncers. First Selectman Mary Glassman is slated to be on hand to issue a proclamation for National Gymnastics Day which coincides with the event.

Students will also participate in an effort to set a world record for handstands. A national coordinated effort, the handstands will begin at 1 p.m. and be recorded by camera. The numbers will be called in to the national coordinators and by 2:30 p.m., everyone should know whether the world record for most handstands at one time will be broken. The effort is a fundraiser to benefit the Children's Miracle Network.

Chuck Ford estimated that over the years they have worked with more than 30,000 students at the center.

“We want to thank the community for 35 years of support. The town has been extremely supportive,” he said.

A new round of classes begins on September 6, and more information can be found at the Gymnastics Training Center website, or call 860-658-7340.

The center has 18 part-time and full-time employees, with some having worked there for more than 25 years.