Woolwich Gymnastics Club Flood

Dear families of Woolwich and surrounding community:

Earlier this year, Woolwich Gymnastics Club suffered from two devastating floods. Added to financial difficulties brought on by the pandemic, this has left our not-for-profit community organization struggling to reopen.

Sometime over the long weekend in May, the water main servicing our leased gym burst. By the time we were notified of the flood, over 2 inches of water had pooled on the floor. Padded flooring, crash mats, and foam apparatus were damaged beyond repair in addition to the interior finishing of the club. To make matters worse, the pipe repair failed again resulting in a second flood. Much of the equipment which had been saved from the initial flood was lost. All in, the total loss of equipment exceeds $100,000. While the club was insured for our equipment, the added burden of the pandemic has been devastating to our club’s finances.

For the health of our athletes and staff, Woolwich Gymnastics Club has remained closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. While we could not open, we had to continue paying our largest expense: rent. We have not received any rent relief from the government. This alone has wiped out our modest savings. As a not-for-profit, our club reinvests any earnings back into infrastructure, and we could not have any more than a rainy-day fund set aside.

Woolwich Gymnastics Club is a not-for-profit organization that has served Elmira and the surrounding community since 1987. We provide affordable, high-quality athletic programming to children of all ages. Gymnastics is a sport that provides a core foundation for all activities. We offer both recreational and competitive programs in a supportive, family atmosphere. With your support, we will use the funds raised to help replace equipment lost in the flood. We are also seeking funds to help with the costs of an eventual opening of a new home in the next year as our current lease is expiring and we are not able to renew it.

With your support, the Woolwich Gymnastics Club will come back stronger from this disaster and continue serving the youth of our community for another 34 years.

Hannah K., a member of the competitive team said the following about the club and its closure over the past year and a half:

“This gymnastics club means so much to all the gymnasts. The relationship between the coaches and gymnasts is not something that you can find everywhere. From the formation of many long-lasting friendships, and a strong sense of community, this has always been a place for everyone to belong. To the gymnasts, COVID meant that they lost that important outlet for their energy and that space to see their friends.”