Of course, everybody knows Bea Lucero, the gymnast who captured the heart of Filipinos with her quiet grace and easy smile. She won the all-around championship at the 1987 SEA Games in Jakarta, and eventually became a taekwondo artist, going to the Barcelona Olympics and snagging a bronze along the way. However, not everybody knows where this exemplary athlete, along with a stellar group of other gymnasts, began her journey to athletic achievement. http://www.flickr.com/photos/hypermom/8485981718/

Club Gymnastica traces its beginnings with a few gymnastics equipment purchased by the Lucero family for their daughter Bea—and stowed away at the old Pelota Court of Manila Polo Club. Before long, more young talents found their way to the Club, and eventually, these enthusiastic ladies became the core group of the Philippine women’s team.

With more and more kids expressing their interest at taking gymnastics, the Club established a bigger and better training facility in Pasig at the Rizal Sports Club in 1981. It was the first fully equipped training facility for gymnasts in the country.

Today, Club Gymnastica is the country’s premiere destination for aspiring gymnasts. Its main facility is located at Barangay Kapitolyo in Pasig City but it has branches in St. Paul College – Pasig, St. Jude Catholic School -Mendiola, and Sacred Heart Academy – Novaliches. Apart from gymnastics training, the organization also offers classes in taekwondo, breakdancing, and cheering.

So if your daughter wants to join the ranks of Jasmine Valenton, Pia Adelle, and Natasha Mendoza—exemplary gymnasts all—sign her up with Club Gymnastica. Call their offices to get details of their summer offerings.

Club Gymnastica Pasig is located at 10 Brixton St., Bo. Kapitolyo, Pasig City. For more information, call 635-2553, 0915-4239939; email suvaron@gmail.com; or follow them on Twitter @clubgymnastica

Photo from Club Gymnastica