"I like it because I get to meet a lot of people and it's fun learning all the new tricks," says gymnast, Tia Stahly.
Stahly has spent half her life practicing at JOYS Gymnastics. "I have been on the team for, this is my seventh year."
She says if she can't go to JOYS, she probably won't do gymnastics. "It would be kinda sad."
JOYS Gymnastics is a non-profit organization. They currently rent a facility-the Cooper Center- from the Michiana Family YMCA. But the folks who run the Y tell me the building is now needed for Summer Day Camps. Which means after May 31 JOYS will be without a gym.
"Right now we're just trying to find another property, somewhere near this vicinity because we want to be able to serve not only kids in South Bend, but also Mishawaka," says JOYS Gymnastics Board President, Tom Willamowski.
He says it'll be difficult to find a building this big with ceilings this high, but he's up to the challenge. "I have three girls in the program and to let them down is not an option for me."
In fact he says this could be an opportunity for growth. "We definitely want to be able to expand into a larger area and be able to expand as far as helping more kids."
While expansion may be exciting, some aren't ready to say goodbye.
"I like this building because it is so small and I can hear the instructors talking to my child and I can hear everything that's going on. As a parent I like to be involved," says Deana Gregory.
"Some people don't like it, but the smell of the building again with all the chalk and sweaty feet and stuff, it's just home," says instructor, Tonya Stahly.
