Last week, the Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation (WHGF) marked another successful year at its annual gala. Supporters, Olympians, and young gymnasts gathered at the New York Athletic Club, where they were treated to a performance by some of the WHGF athletes.
“What Wendy Hilliard has done for the young people of this community is incredible,” said Curtis L. Archer, president of the Harlem Community Development Corporation. “This program brings creativity and also confidence, and it’s so very important in a community like Harlem. For young Black and Brown people, it is paramount that they can go out into the world and compete.”
Eneida Rodriguez Watkins, whose daughter was one of the performers, noted that the event has provided a burst of enthusiasm. “She loves the gymnastics and this actually brought a group of people she can be and associate with,” said Rodriguez Watkins.
Somer Alston, manager of the gymnastics program at the Harlem Armory, enjoyed meeting sponsors and donors and speaking about the programming, which serves urban youth ages 3–17. In addition to gymnastics, they learn about time management, responsibility, teamwork, leadership, and sustainable health habits. “I’m from Harlem, born and raised, so I love the fact that we give kids from Harlem an opportunity to expand their minds and learn something different,” Alston said.
Shatima Radcliff, the mother of a gymnast who has taken part in WHGF for four years, said, “I love to see new things that she learns and I love to see her face when she learns it. She’s very dedicated to it. I love to see the hard work she puts into it, and she enjoys it.”
“I love sharing the love and joy for gymnastics—trying to fuel the new generation to go after their dreams,” said Nicholas Brown, head coach for artistic gymnastics and a former elite gymnast who moved to New York City to pursue an acting career. After meeting Hilliard, he returned to his roots.
The evening’s host, Al Roker, spoke about the positive impact of the organization and the valuable contributions of the evening’s honorees: Dimitrius Hutcherson, president of First Independent Bank; NBC Sports reporter Andrea Joyce; NBC News correspondent Harry Smith; and Reggie Van Lee, executive partner and managing director of AlixPartners, and senior advisor, Carlyle Group, who received the WHGF Champion Award.