AMHERST – Gymnastics Village has kicked off a year-long celebration of its 35th anniversary with plans for a birthday celebration, 35 days of prize drawings for students, and a parents night out event.

Gymnastics Village opened in March 1976 with 2,400 square feet of space. According to founder and owner Judy Shenk, growth of the business was fueled by the popularity of Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci during the 1976 Summer Olympics. Enrollment skyrocketed, she said, and Gymnastics Village quickly expanded. Within two years, the business had moved in to its current building at 13 Caldwell Drive in Amherst and tripled its space.

Today, Gymnastics Village operates from a 13,500 square foot facility and teaches 850 students.

Gymnastics Village offers gymnastic activities for boys and girls from 18 months to 18 years old.

For more information about Gymnastics Village and 35th anniversary activities, please visit www.gymnasticsvillage.com.

– Mike Cleveland