Elite gymnastics director, Jason Parker, has been appointed Head Coach of the Bermuda Gymnastics Association (BGA), supported by his daughter and Assistant Coach, Peyton Parker.
Working with Senior Coach, Becky Wentling, this expanded team now has the ability to not just grow Bermuda’s Gymnastics programme, but also coach gymnastics from beginners all the way up to Level 10.
Level 10is the highest skill level in the USA Gymnastics Development Programme.
Jason Parker joins the BGA from Summit Gymnastics in Nolensville, Tennessee and has over 30 years of experience leading gymnastics programmes throughout the USA.
He has coached multiple National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 Scholarship athletes and has qualified a number of Level 10 athletes. Commenting on his appointment, Parker said, “It’s been a huge move for me to come to Bermuda and I’ve been really impressed by all the talented and dedicated gymnasts I’ve met and begun to coach so far. “My goal is to help bring Bermuda to a competitive optional-level standard internationally, while simultaneously building a strong grassroots curriculum that develops athletes progressively from beginner through to elite level.
Over the next three years, the emphasis will be on long-term athlete development, coach education, and creating a clear, sustainable pathway that supports both participation and high performance.
Peyton Parker’s role will be to focus on strengthening the recreational and early-development programmes, ensuring young gymnasts build the technical foundations and confidence needed to progress successfully into pre-team and team pathways.
Both she and Jason are former competitive gymnasts. Continued Mr Parker: “Together, we’re focused on growing depth, consistency, and opportunity across the programme so Bermuda’s gymnasts can compete with confidence locally, regionally, and internationally. “Gymnastics is an exciting sport for children to try. It is all encompassing, helping to develop strength, flexibility, cardio and co-ordination. Most importantly, gymnasts learn to overcome fear. Together, these are important life skills which can help young athletes find success in whatever path they choose to follow.”
Commenting on the appointments, Laura Fosker, member of the Bermuda Gymnastics Association Board of Directors, and a former competitive gymnast herself, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Jason and Peyton to the BGA coaching team. Our programme is expanding at both the recreational and competitive levels, and their experience and enthusiasm will be invaluable as the programme continues to grow. ”Anyone interested in registering for BGA’s recreational or competitive gymnastics classes or camps, can find more information at www.bermudagymnastics.bm, or emailcoaches@bermudagymnastics.bm
