Elite gymnastics director Jason Parker has been appointed as head coach of the Bermuda Gymnastics Association.

Parker joins the BGA from Summit Gymnastics in Nolensville, Tennessee and has more than 30 years experience of leading gymnastics programmes throughout the USA. He has coached multiple National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I scholarship athletes and has qualified a number of athletes to Level 10, the highest skill level in the USA Gymnastics Development Programme.

“It’s been a huge move for me to come to Bermuda and I’ve been really impressed by all the talented and dedicated gymnasts I’ve met and begun to coach so far,” Parker said

“My goal is to help bring Bermuda to a competitive optional-level standard internationally, while simultaneously building a strong grass roots curriculum that develops athletes progressively from beginner through to elite level.

“Over the next three years, the emphasis will be on long-term athlete development, coach education, and creating a clear, sustainable pathway that supports both participation and high performance.”

Parker, along with the expanded team at BGA which includes senior coach Becky Wentling and his daughter, Peyton Parker, is expected to not just grow Bermuda’s gymnastics programme, but to train all abilities from beginners up to Level 10.

Peyton Parker will focus on strengthening the recreational and early development programmes, ensuring young gymnasts build the technical foundations and confidence needed to progress successfully into pre-team and team pathways.

“Together, we’re focused on growing depth, consistency, and opportunity across the programme so Bermuda’s gymnasts can compete with confidence locally, regionally, and internationally,” Jason Parker said.

“Gymnastics is an exciting sport for children to try. It is all encompassing, helping to develop strength, flexibility, cardio and co-ordination. Most importantly, gymnasts learn to overcome fear.

Together, these are important life skills which can help young athletes find success in whatever path they choose to follow.”

Laura Fosker, a member of the Bermuda Gymnastics Association board of directors and a former competitive gymnast, welcomed Parker’s appointment.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jason and Peyton to the BGA coaching team. Our programme is expanding at both the recreational and competitive levels, and their experience and enthusiasm will be invaluable as the programme continues to grow.”

Anyone interested in registering for BGA’s recreational or competitive gymnastics classes or camps, can find more information at www.bermudagymnastics.bm or e-mail coaches@bermudagymnastics.bm.