Some young gymnasts from Fresh Meadows are hoping to show the Harlem Globetrotters some tricks of their own. Our Tamani Wooley filed the following report on the routine they'll be performing at halftime at Madison Square Garden during the Globetotters game this month.
A group of young tumblers from a gym in Queens are getting ready to take center stage. They're perfecting their halftime show for the Harlem Globetrotters game at Madison Square Garden on December 28th.
“I'm feeling nervous when I'm going to be on the stage,” said gymnast Wyatt Yim.
Young Tia Santos added she feels “like my head in going to explode.”
“Good a little bit scared because it's my first time,” added gymnast Renee Rose.
This isn’t every kid’s first time performing at a Globetrotters game, as some have been on the court before. But, even the veterans are excited to get in front of a large audience again in the famed arena.
“It's not my first time I've been there before. I've performed there before so I'm ready for it. I'm pumped,” said gymnast Brandon Rice.
The kids, ages 5 through 12, are from My Gym in Fresh Meadows. The gym focuses on building confidence instead of competition. Director Meredith Coleman says performing at MSG helps with their mission.
“They go and perform in front of in crowds of 15,000 plus, and they don't go out for awards or trophies,” Coleman said. “They go out to build their confidence and they just feel great about themselves afterwards.”
The kids use their tumbling skills for more than just providing entertainment. They also perform routines that speak out against bullying. The young gymnasts have performed their anti-bullying routine at Hershey Park and at schools around the city.
“Well I know how they feel, ‘cause I've been there before. I've been bullied,” added Rice. “I just want to say that people shouldn't be bullying other people because you don't know what they’re going through.”
Whether they're performing for fun or to spread an important message the kids enjoy growing in confidence and learning new skills. And, the coaches say all kids, regardless of their skill level, are welcome.