STYLE GYMNASTICS HOSTS BELARUSIAN CHILDREN
For Release:  Immediately

Date:  October, 2007

Contact:  Kim Jernigan, 301-874-1906 

            Style Gymnastics of Frederick Maryland opened their brand new gymnastics facility to children from Belarus while the children were on a summer visit to the Frederick area.  The children are part of a program called the American Belarus Relief Organization (ABRO)  and approximately 800 children visited the United States as part of this program in 2007. 

            The program allows children to leave the highly radiated areas of Belarus so that their bodies can rest and their immune system can be rejuvenated.  Belarus was one of the countries affected by the Chernobyl accident in 1986 that released large amounts of nuclear material into the atmosphere.    The health of many Belarusian citizens is still affected and many areas of this Eastern European nation are still condemned due to the continuing danger.

            ABRO children visit the United States and receive medical and dental care that is not as readily accessible in Belarus.  They live with local families and become immersed in the community for the summer.  Style Gymnastics invited the children and their host families to visit the gym throughout the summer and to use the equipment for exercise and fun.

            The owner and head coach of Style, Farzi Wlotzka, enjoys the international flavor  the children bring to the gym.  She herself competed on the international stage and several gymnasts at Style have worked in gymnastics camp clinics with Svetlana Boginskaya, a Belarusian gymnast who competed in several Olympic games.

             Style Gymnastics currently offers classes, team options and Birthday Party opportunities.  In addition to those programs, Style also offers home school opportunities and cheer programs.  Wlotka and the staff and coaches at Style hope to continue their relationship with the Belarusian children each year, offering open gym, class or camp opportunities.  Many of the children in the ABRO program do not have access to sports facilities such as Style and they enjoy learning a new sport.

            For more information about Style Gymnastics call 301-874-1906 and for additional information about the ABRO program in the Frederick area, call 301-898-7414.