GK recently traveled to New York City to visit the Wendy Hillard Foundation, and we are so excited to share our commitment to the sport of gymnastics with others. We admire and support this organization whose mission is to provide opportunities to improve physical and emotional health through gymnastics and its associated disciplines. Founded in 1996 by Wendy Hilliard, Hall of Fame rhythmic gymnasts- the Wendy Hilliard Foundation has provided free gymnastics classes, summer programs, competitive gymnastics teams and annual girls and women sports clinics. Initial funding was through the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development and the US Olympic Committee. Current funding includes; public funding, private and corporate grants and individual donors.
Located in Harlem, NYC the Wendy Hilliard Foundation has served over 15,000 inner city youth. This unique development organization has trained elite level athletes as well as national and international event champions. Wendy’s Broadway background has served beneficially for the organization’s performance training, with many trained athletes going onto Broadway and other national and international performances. Wendy was featured in People Magazine and the New York Times, highlighting this non-profit organization. She continues to make partnerships with youth serving organizations such as the Dance Theater of Harlem and the Police Athletic League. Since 2010, the WHF began a partnership with the Harlem Children’s Zone “HCZ”. This partnership provides free gymnastics for over 350 HCZ students each week. The HCZ Armory is the home of the WHF competitive teams which includes over 30 HCZ students. HCZ through the WHF also provides free Parent and me and adult gymnastics classes for the community. She now has added focus in health, nutrition, pregnancy prevention and sports medicine partnering with the NYC top hospitals the Women’s Sports Medicine Center and Premier Physical Therapy and Wellness. In 2004 the organization added programs aimed at reinforcing literacy, dedication to school work and health through Literacy Inc.
Wendy Hillard was the first African-American to represent the U.S. in rhythmic gymnastics, Her main goal was to create a program that provided an opportunity for more minorities to experience the sport she was so passionate about. The Wendy Hilliard Foundation has established an incredible track record of providing quality training for people of all ages and abilities in gymnastics. Hillard's nine time national team membership was a record breaker as she served twice as the National Team Captain. Later she became the US National Team Coach and went on to train 1996 Olympian, Aliane Baquerot. In 2008 she was inducted into the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame. Wendy is pictured on the left with our Executive Vice President of Design & Corporate Relations, Kelly McKeown. Kelly was excited to meet some of the dedicated gymnasts of the Wendy Hillard Foundation shown below. The Wendy Hillard Foundation will be hosting the Harlem Gymnastics Invitational coming up, February 22 & 23, 2014.
The Wendy Hillard Foundation chose our in stock competitive gymnastics apparel to outfit their athletes. The female gymnasts will be wearing our 3/4 sleeve Purple Mystique Gymnastics Leotard 3457 with a custom Silver Hologram Sequinz design, shown on the left. The male gymnasts will be outfitted in a Black, Gray, and White Nylon/Spandex custom competition shirt with our Men's Gymnastics Long Shorts 1818M in Black Nylon/Spandex featuring a custom purple embroidery logo shown below.
If you love Wendy Hillard Foundation's women's gymnastics leotard design, shop out entire In Stock Long Sleeve Leotard Collection today and you can customize a look of your own. For a custom look in both men's and women's gymnastics apparel, check out our Design Studio for a brand new one of a kind style.
GK. Choice of Champions.