On June 10, the Harlem-based Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation (WHGF) hosted its 10th annual benefit gala, honoring individuals who embody the foundation’s mission to empower young people from underserved communities by improving physical and emotional health through the sport of gymnastics. For 30 years, the WHGF has served urban youth by offering free or low-cost gymnastics training to youngsters ages 3 to 17.
WHGF board member Herbert Berger received the Spirit of Sport Award. He has extensive experience in working with dancers and athletes by providing acupuncture, microcurrent therapy, and manual therapy, and has treated some of the program’s participants. “Serving the foundation has been fantastic,” he said.
Program alumnae Asta and Ida Lowe, now coaches and mentors with the foundation, were also honored. “I will always appreciate Wendy for everything she’s done for us,” said Asta. “I grew up in this foundation and it has taught me a lot of life lessons outside of the gym. I love seeing the kids learn and grow,” said Ida.
Tumblers BJ Mensah, Ty’La Morris, and ZaQuae Carter will soon head to the national championships. After that, Mensah goes to a World Cup event in Portugal. “It’s great to see how the kids behind us are doing and how they’re inspired by us,” said Morris.
Geoffrey Canada, creator of the Harlem Children’s Zone, which he continues to serve as president, received the Simone Biles Give-Back Award. “I’m a believer that young people just need opportunities to do new things, exciting things — and of course, Wendy is the best,” said Canada. “In this program, I see the development of our young people … You’re dealing with creativity, and you’re teaching kids about health and about perseverance.”
Li Li Leung, who served as president and CEO of USA Gymnastics from 2019 to 2025, received the Leadership Award. “What Wendy and her foundation are doing is amazing and so important to the sport,” said Leung, “[because] 99.9% of those doing gymnastics are at the grassroots level and it’s important to support them.”
The organization has an impact on participants who don’t necessarily remain in sports. McKenzie Ryan, a prominent real estate broker, said being a former rhythmic gymnast and WHGF participant “is so fundamental and critical to my success today. My competitive edge, discipline, dedication, creativity, and fierce ability to never give up started when I was a 5-year-old and are still alive in me today.”
