University of Minnesota Athletics
Golden Gophers Host 14th Annual Special Olympics Clinic
11/21/2011 12:00:00 AM | Gymnastics
Nov. 21, 2011
The University of Minnesota women's gymnastics team hosted a two-hour Special Olympics clinic this Saturday at the team's practice facility in Peik Gymnasium. The clinic featured six stations, including vault, tumbling, dance, beam, bars and trampoline, and it attracted over 35 participants along with their coaches.
The Golden Gophers and the gymnastic liaisons for the Special Olympics of Minnesota have had a long lasting partnership. This year's clinic was the 14th straight that head coach Meg Stephenson and the Gophers have put on.
"It is great to get them in here and give them an opportunity to meet and interact with our team," said head coach Meg Stephenson. "We have had such a great partnership with them over the years, and it's been a highlight for our girls every season."
Assistant coach Louie Johnson headed up the clinic as he worked hand-in-hand with the Special Olympics to make this clinic possible.
"This clinic is something that is not only rewarding for the participants involved with the Special Olympics but also for our team," assistant coach Louie Johnson commented. "These kids are huge Gopher fans, and they know everything about the team before they even get here. It's great that we are able to give them this opportunity and help out."
The local Special Olympic participants that are crowned champions in their specific event will have a chance to showcase their routines on January 7 following the Golden Gophers first meet of the season, which is against Ohio State at 6 p.m.