Park gymnastics: Annual fundraising tradition continues

Through a partnership between US Bank and the Park gymnastics team, the Wolfpack will once again be raising funds for its gymnastics program collecting aluminum cans.

Park has recycled cans for profit since 1991, with money earned going towards equipment, coaching wages and apparel.

“We had an amazing season, and are looking to do it again next year,” Park co-head coach Terry Hardy said. “Recycling cans is a great fundraiser for us to continue to have all the great equipment and time in the gym.”

Last year, the Park gymnastics team raised just over $300 by collecting cans, which went toward gymnastics mats. This year, the team would like to put money raised toward helping pay for the team’s bus for its annual trip to Brainerd.

The main drop off point for the cans will be at the team’s revamped trailer at the US Bank on 70th Street in Cottage Grove. Last year, Hardy and gymnasts Tessa Sikich and Sammy Johnson helped redesign and repaint the trailer.

Gymnastics parents Bob and Donna Zappa began the tradition 19 years ago and for many of those years Park co-head coach Mark Sikich has had a drop off point at his house.

Over the years, most of the parents in the booster club has had some type of involvement, from hauling the trailer to can collecting.

In addition to the trailer and the drop off site at the Sikich residence, another option people have is to call coach Sikich at home at (651) 459-7988 and either he or someone affiliated with the team will pick up the cans.

“We just would like to thank the community for an outstanding warmth it has showed the team this year,” Hardy said. “And thanks again to our fantastic supporters at Cottage Grove US Bank for their continued support.”

Tags: sports, gymnastics, park, wolfpack, prep, updates