When a local news story spotlighted a group of young gymnasts competing without matching uniforms, it caught the attention of Pennsylvania Skill Charitable Giving.
The South Philadelphia-based Vare Gymnastics team has been training and competing for years with limited resources, often facing teams with larger budgets and more resources. Thanks to a $7,000 donation from Pennsylvania Skill Charitable Giving, the team will now take the floor in brand-new, matching leotards.
“This team’s story moved us,” said Jeanna Bouzek of Pennsylvania Skill Charitable Giving. “They’re proof that dedication and community spirit can overcome any obstacle. These girls have worked so hard—they deserve to look and feel like champions.”
When media outlets began covering the gymnastics team’s need for funding, City Council President Kenyatta Johnson reached out to the community for support, and Pennsylvania Skill Charitable Giving quickly stepped in.
“This generous gift from Pennsylvania Skill Charitable Giving is about far more than new leotards,” said Council President Johnson. “It represents an investment in these young girls’ confidence, self-esteem, and sense of belonging.”
The donation ensures that all team members will receive new competition leotards and warm-ups in time for the Liberty Cup, a major USA Gymnastics (USAG) meet taking place December 5–7 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. Until now, many athletes had to compete in mismatched or hand-me-down uniforms simply because new ones were out of reach.
“For years, our girls have done so much with so little,” said Head Coach Kristin Smerker, who launched the Vare Gymnastics program in 1998. “This donation will let them walk into a meet and feel confident, equal, and proud.”
Today, the Vare Gymnastics Team has about 130 participants and a waiting list nearly as long. Despite limited funding, they’ve built a reputation for hard work and perseverance, leading them to championships and inspiring their community along the way.
Pennsylvania State Senator Anthony Williams also praised the donation, saying,
“The investment in the Vare Gymnastics team shows our young people that we support them. New uniforms mean everything to these athletes. It gives them the boost they need so their confidence matches their talent.”