For August, State Rep. Jackie Haas recognized Golden’s Gymnastics Center, Inc., as her local business spotlight. Golden Gymnastics has the mission of educating, providing quality gymnastics programs, and developing the highest level of achievement in gymnastics. Rep. Haas presented a certificate from the House of Representatives to owners Donna and Steve Golden.
“Keeping children active is critical to their physical health and to experience the joys of childhood, and gymnastics is certainly one of the most advanced forms of exercise they can engage in,” said Rep. Haas. “Golden Gymnastics provides a great environment for children to stay physically active and gain skills that can apply to various activities. It also promotes discipline, character, and challenges for students to grow in a fun environment, while teaching an invaluable lesson of giving back to our local community and people in need across our country.”
Golden Gymnastics has been open since 1996. Donna and Steve Golden started coaching and loved working with kids. Their inspiration comes from years of working with children. They also distinguish their business by donating, every month, to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and 100 percent of their water bottle sale profits to St. Jude’s. They also donate money to local charities that they receive from events and have donated $5,000 to River Valley Special Recreation in Kankakee.
Golden Gymnastics is a non-profit, Christian-led organization that includes prayer meetings and Bible stories once a week for the different groups they teach. The bleachers also are filled with ex-gymnasts to build relationships with the students. A motto they live by is: “Coach me, and I will learn. Challenge me, and I will grow. Believe in me, and I will succeed.”
Golden Gymnastics is at 1105 Lesco Road in Kankakee. Fall hours are Monday and Tuesday, from 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Friday, from 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. They are closed on Sunday. Golden’s offer classes including “Tumbling 2’s,” Girls and Boys Gymnastics – ages 6+, “Ninja/Parkour – ages 6+,” in addition to a competitive team.