LIVERMORE, Calif. – The Acrobatic Gymnastics Foundation (AGF) recently announced that Camila Hernandez, who trains at Acrobatic Gymnastics of San Antonio (Texas), is one of eight athletes who received a 2018 grant from the AGF Athlete Assistance Grant Program. The foundation established the Athlete Assistance Grant Program three years ago to provide needs-based financial support for training and competition expenses to qualifying U.S. acrobatic gymnasts. Early-bird tickets are extended to Friday, June 22, for the #iheartacro Bash, the AGF’s largest fundraising event of the year that will be held in conjunction with the 2018 USA Gymnastics Championships in Greensboro, N.C.
The Athlete Assistance Grant Program is funded through donations and net proceeds from the annual #iheartacro Bash, scheduled for Tuesday, July 3, at the Sheraton Greensboro Hotel in the Four Seasons – Imperial Ballroom from 4:30 – 9:30 p.m. The event features excellent food and beverages, DJ entertainment, a silent auction and fun photo opportunities. Since 2016, 31 athletes ranging from Level 6 through senior elite have received a total of $29,500 to help fund regular training, competition apparel and travel expenses.
Hernandez, a Level 11-16 age group acrobatic gymnast and her partner Makena Ludeman placed sixth in the women’s pair division for their age group at the 2018 World Age Group Competition in Antwerp, Belgium.
“It was really a blessing when Kristin called us,” said Veronica Hernandez, Camila’s mother. “That call was better than the medal because we knew it would help with (this year’s Geneva International Acro Cup in) Switzerland. That phone call made Camila believe in herself because someone believed in her.”
AGF founder and World mixed pair champion Kristin Allen commented that hearing the athlete grant recipients’ stories “makes my heart happy – we are making a difference!”
For further information about the AGF, the Athlete Assistance Grant Program and the upcoming #iheartacro Bash, go to www.iheartacro.org.
The Acrobatic Gymnastics Foundation, a 501(c)(3), is the only national non-profit organization focused on acrobatic gymnastics. Funds are raised through several AGF programs, including the popular #iheartacro Bash, private donations, the sale of #iheartacro gear, and the Friends of the Acrobatic Gymnastics Foundation program. The AGF’s mission is to enrich our community, provide athlete funding, and create a sustainable platform to engage and empower acrobatic athletes.
To make a tax-deductible donation to or to become a friend of the Acrobatic Gymnastics Foundation, go to iheartacro.org. To receive foundation announcements regarding upcoming programs and events, email [email protected]. Regular news and updates are also available on the Acrobatic Gymnastics Foundation Facebook page.