This is amazing!
Three-time Olympian Dominique Dawes is set to open up a new gymnastics academy in Maryland, Black Enterprise reports.
The Olympic Gold Medalist is one of the most decorated gymnasts in the world. She is also the first African American woman to win an individual Olympic medal in women’s gymnastics. Now a 43-year-old mother of four, Dawes is looking to give back in a major way.
The Dominique Dawes Gymnastics Academy will open up in Clarksburg, Maryland, less than 30 miles from where she grew up. The center identifies itself as “a safe, supportive and empowering gymnastics and ninja gym for all!” Their mission is to train athletes while also developing self-confidence, fostering connections and building memories.
The Silver Spring, Maryland native took to social media to give a preview of the site for the Academy inviting her followers to “join [her] on this exciting journey!” Dawes said that empowering young people is her true motivation. “All four of my kids are my motivation! They will be active in the gymnastics and ninja programs and I couldn’t be more proud to build a community to empower and positively encourage today’s generation of gymnasts and beyond. Words leave a lasting impact on the self-esteem of a young child, which is why it’s beyond gold medals here at Dominique Dawes Gymnastics Academy. Every child that walks through our doors will know that they are valued. My amazing staff will understand that the most important kid is the one standing right in front of them,” she said.
Dawes also spoke to the press about why she felt it was important to launch the Academy at this stage in her career. “This is me leaving a lasting legacy in the sport of gymnastics. I know I was able to do it as an athlete. This is my way of doing it by creating a healthy, positive encouraging gymnastics community in this area, in the state of Maryland, that has been so supportive of me throughout my whole career,” she added.
Eventually, Dawes wants to open several locations across the state of Maryland. The Dominique Dawes Gymnastics Academy is located at 22530 Gateway Center Dr. Clarksburg, MD.
Congratulations Dominique! We wish you the best in all of your endeavors.
Photo Courtesy of DominiqueDawesGymnasticsAcademy.com