By Derek Thompson
The Selma Times-Journal

The Selma-Dallas County YMCA has added two gymnastics classes to its long list of summer programs for children.

“YMCA has been the heart of gymnastics in the 80s and 90s,” said Ann Murray, CEO YMCA of Selma-Dallas County. “We are bringing gymnastics back for little tiny ones.”

Lisa Hopkins, who is a USA Gymnastics safety instructor certified, will coach both the gymnastics classes.

“The instructor is a person that I am so excited about,” Murray said. “She grew up in the (Paul M.) Grist YMCA helping with gymnastics.”

Mommy N’ Me Daddy N’ Me Gymnastics is a beginner tumbling class that will be held every Saturday from 9:30-10:15 a.m. for children from walking age to 2 and a half years old.

Parents can learn gymnastics alongside their children while they are being taught in a fun atmosphere where they’ll learn colors, shapes and numbers as well as basic tumbling and gymnastics skills.

The monthly rates for Mommy N’ Daddy N’ Me Gymnastics are $25 dollars for members and $35 non-members. Toddler gymnastics classes will be held on Saturdays from 10:30-11:15 a.m. for children 3-4 years of age.

“The parents can drop the children off,” Murray said. “All of our equipment has come in and we are so excited about it.”

Children will be able to explore movement and improve coordination in these classes while developing motor skills on balance beams and additional gymnastics equipment.

Toddler gymnastics classes will cost $30 for members and $40 for non-members.

In addition to gymnastics classes, the Selma-Dallas County YMCA will host Kids’ Zone Youth Nights with games and basketball every Tuesday night from 4-6 p.m. The program started a month ago and is completely free for members.

Murray said Kids’ Zone Youth Nights are open to children in grades third through sixth and members can bring a friend for free. Jacob Elliott, youth minister at Westwood Baptist, is the instructor for Kids’ Zone Youth Nights.

Murray said the youth nights and gymnastics classes keep the children occupied in a positive environment while they are out of school for the summer.

“It’s so much fun to have special events happening in the summer time where they can come to the YMCA and meet new friends and learn new skills,” Murray said. “That’s especially fun in the summer time when you’re not seeing your regular school friends and you can meet new friends at the YMCA.”

For more information about the YMCA and its upcoming summer programs, call 874-9622.