On Saturday September 17, 2011 OTW gymnasts kicked up into a handstand to help break the world record for the most handstands performed simultaneously. Each year, USA Gymnastics celebrates National Gymnastics Day to build awareness of the sport and support Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. National Gymnastics Day seeks to promote the value of physical fitness and good nutrition for everyone, regardless of age, gender and ability level. Since 2001, gymnastics clubs across the country have raised more than $1.4 million for Children's Miracle Network. 
2011 was deemed the "Year of the Handstand" by USA Gymnastics because it leads into an Olympic year - 2012 - and the handstand is a basic gymnastic skill. Some variation of a handstand is performed on every gymnastic apparatus, and many tumbling skills pass through a handstand position during their execution. This year USA Gymnastics encouraged its member clubs nationwide to celebrate National Gymnastics Day by joining together to break the world record of 2,402 simultaneous handstands set by Australian gymnasts in Melbourne to promote the 2005
World Gymnastics Championships.
World Gymnastics Championships.
In support of National Gymnastics Day and local gymnasts, Governor Lynch signed a proclamation declaring September 17th Gymnastics Day in New Hampshire. Along with Governor Lynch, the Governors of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Nevada and Texas proclaimed September 17, 2011 as Gymnastics Day in their respective state.
The OTW gymnasts gathered at 12:45 p.m. to warm up. Coach Paul and Coach Becky relayed the count-down from the USAG website and gave the go sign for the handstands to commence at precisely 1 p.m. ET. The Optional gymnasts headed for the balance beams and performed their handstands there. The gym floor was covered with participants as well. Isabel joined in from the Scout popcorn sales booth at Derryfest. LaNaya joined in while on break from her studies at Winona State University. Her form perfect as usual. Lt. Col(s) John Hess from Hanscom Air Force Base also joined in. His form...well let's just call it freestyle! The longest handstand was held for over a minute by Nicole on a balance beam. The shortest handstand which between us looked more like a frog jump was done by Coach Paul. He swears he is going to practice and beat Nicole next time. LOL! Coach Megan held her own, but Coach Sharon really shined with perfect form and pointed toes. Once Nicole hit the floor, the coaches entered the headcount on-line and everyone waited to hear the results. Early Sunday morning USA Gymnastics posted the results. Over 20,478 gymnasts from more than 300 gymnastics clubs nationwide had joined together and broken the world record and brought the title back to the US. The OTW gymnasts were thrilled to hear the news at practice on Monday. 
Congratulations to our world record setters! Way to go!
