Children 'tumble' into Youth Sports

Photo By Cpl. Monica Erickson | Jolene Kullberg, a 22-year-old recreation assistance at the Combat Center's Community Center, and the lead tumbling instructor, shows Reece McDonald, a 4-year-old Twin Falls, Idaho, native, how to properly end a trick with style during the new tumbling program at the Community Center July 11.  

TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA, UNITED STATES

07.17.2009

Story by Cpl. Monica Erickson 

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - Dozens of children were rolling around the Combat Center's Community Center gymnasium for the new Marine Corps Community Services Youth Sports tumbling class July 11.

Tumbling, a beginner's version of gymnastics, was designed to introduce children to the fundamentals of the sport while helping them find their balance and keep them active throughout the summer, said Jolene Kullberg, a 22-year-old recreation assistance at the Community Center and the lead tumbling instructor.

"These children are at level one— a basic introduction to tumbling," Kullberg said. "It provides the children the building blocks they need to move onto more difficult tricks."

The children, ages 3 to 12, were split into three different classes decided by age and skills of those participating. The classes run every Saturday for one month. Each class is 45 minutes to an hour long.

The first class primarily focused on the forward roll. Kullberg provided a guiding hand to each child so they didn't roll off the mat or hurt themselves and ensured every child performed the roll correctly, showing them how to place their hands on the mat, bend their knees and tuck their chin.

As the classes progress, the children will learn and practice other forms including back bends, cartwheels, handstands and headstands.

"This is great for the kids," said Staff Sgt. John Koger Jr., a Chicago native, and an ammunitions chief for 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, whose 4-year-old twins, John and Janiya, are in the class. "They love it. I mean, this is the stuff all 4-year-olds do at home, so why not encourage them to be more active."

Kullberg, an Anchorage, Alaska, native, agreed with Koger, saying the class shows children the correct way to do the tricks they love to do at home.

"I really hope they enjoy tumbling and continue to practice even if they move to a different base," Kullberg said. "I hope this is the beginning of a passion for them."

For more information about tumbling classes or other children's athletic opportunities, contact Youth Sports at 830-8421, 830-3910 or log on to http://www.mccs29palms.com/pages/gymsRec/youthSports.html.

• Date Taken: 07.17.2009
• Date Posted: 07.17.2009 12:32
• Story ID: 36489
• Location: TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA, US