BIG Gymnasts Hope to Make Dreams Come True

The dream of competing in the Olympics and winning a gold medal inspires many young gymnasts. A few may come closer to that goal as they compete in this weekend's BIG Dream Classic.

On Feb. 19 and 20, the Burr Ridge-based Balance Institute of Gymnastics (BIG) will host a competitive gymnastics meet with Jr. Olympians from throughout Illinois and elsewhere. The meet, which will also include vendors and raffles, is open to the public and will begin at 8 a.m. at Lyons Township High School in La Grange. 

“This is our third annual meet,” said BIG Public Relations and Marketing Director Lauren Reiken. “We have over 850 girls competing from 15 different gyms from all around the state and out of state, as well.”

Reiken said the annual event differs from other club gymnastic meets because the BIG Dream Classic features a different theme every year.

“This year, our theme is ‘Where Dreams Come True.’ Everything will be based around that,” she said.

The event will feature a raffle with prizes including a pair of hockey sticks autographed by members of the Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks, an IPAD and a cash basket. Among the vendors scheduled to be on hand are Bear Affair, Maui Wowi, The Pretzel Shoppe, West Coast Airbrushing and In.PURSEinators.

Awards will be given to high scoring individual gymnasts and teams. Select winning teams will also earn cash prizes.

In just five short years of existence, BIG has been the home gym for more than 100 state champions and one national champion. Founded by former competitive gymnast Ben Hardy, the facility serves nearly 100 competitive gymnasts and almost 800 recreational gymnasts ranging in age from kindergarten to high school students.

For more information on the event, click here.