One Olympic athlete got athlete got help from a military organization while training for the gymnastics competition. Gymnast Gabrielle Douglas, the daughter of a deployed soldier, got grants from Our Military Kids, a program that provides grants for children’s participation in activities such as sports, fine arts and tutoring. The program aims to help children, and families, cope with difficulties of deployment.
We’re not sure the military expected one of the kids in the program to go to the Olympics, but that’s what sixteen-year-old Gabrielle Douglas was able to do with her grants.
“Gymnastics is an expensive sport, and the grant from Our Military Kids was a financial blessing,” said Gabby’s mother Natalie Hawkins. “Gabby had just entered into elite gymnastics, and this camp gave her the opportunity to train with gymnasts on the U.S. team.”
The family received a $500 grant that made the difference.
“When I received the grant, I was so honored and happy,” Gabby said. “I know I speak for all military kids when I say thank you for making this fund available to help us pursue our dreams!”
To date, Our Military Kids has awarded 38,000 grants totaling more than $15 million.
Congratulations to Gabby Douglas on finding and using the resources at hand to achieve your dreams. We look forward to seeing her compete in London in a few weeks.