Today we’d like to introduce you to Cindy Bickman.
Cindy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Chattooga School of Gymnastics & Dance began as a family business in 1976. Gymnasts who trained at Chattooga have won multiple states, regional, national, & international championships. The Chattooga Aesthetic Group competed in the AGG World Championships in 2008. One Chattooga gymnast was on the 1996 Olympic team, as a member of the rhythmic group. These successes are all stories of typical children.
Since the 1980s, however, my passion has turned to work with gymnasts who have special needs. I began with 4 students, the Cobb County Special Olympics Rhythmic Gymnastics team. Now, we have about 70 students with special needs in our program. These students take classes in artistic & rhythmic gymnastics, as well as all types of dance. We are on a mission, to show the world the abilities of people with disABILITIES.
Here are some of our accomplishments:
– The Cobb County Special Olympics team trains at Chattooga. Many of the students are featured in the Special Olympics International Rhythmic Gymnastics Coaches Guide.
– I have pioneered the HUGS (Hope Unites Gymnastics with Special athletes) for USA Gymnastics. Chattooga gymnasts have helped pilot the rhythmic, men & women’s artistic, tumbling & trampoline, & Gymnastics for All programs.
– Chattooga has gained a worldwide reputation in Gymnastics for All for INCLUSION. Our performance team is composed of gymnasts with & without disabilities, ages 8-73. This group has represented the US in 5 World Gymnaestradas & 3 World Gym for Life Challenges. I have recently represented the US in the Federation of International Gymnastics first Alliance of Federations to begin the Gymnastics for All Disability project.
– This summer has been a busy one. 60 members of the performance team traveled to Chicago to take part in the Disability Pride Parade & to perform on Soldier Field at the Global Day of Inclusion & the Special Olympics 50th-anniversary celebration. Three gymnasts competed in the Down Syndrome World Championships in Germany, bringing home the gold for artistic gymnastics & the silver for rhythmic.
– Chattooga students participate in dance events, as well as gymnastics. Team Galaxy performs every year in the Balletfest, the only special needs group in this regional ballet festival. Every year, we also partner with Little Light of Mine, a liturgical dance group, to put on a Christmas pageant.
– I believe that people with disabilities should not always be the recipients of charity.
They have a lot to give! So – each year, we travel to a different country on a Santa Goodwill Tour, performing, having parties & delivering gifts to underprivileged children & seniors.
– We have started the Chattooga Aktion Club, a Kiwanis club for adults with disabilities. We have done several community service projects, & were even featured in the Kiwanis International magazine.
– In 2009, I started The Chattooga Foundation, a non-profit organization, that provides athletic, artistic & educational opportunities for people with disabilities & groups that include people with disabilities. The Foundation was established in memory of my parents.
So – my gym has evolved into an environment where every gymnast is celebrated for his/her unique abilities. We travel the US & the world, work in the community, & live in our world of Inclusion. It is the students who have taught me the many life lessons that have shaped my life.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
All in all, a smooth road. The main struggles are finding enough time in the day to do everything & raising the funds to reach more people.
Please tell us about Chattooga School of Gymnastics & Dance.
In a previous question, I answered most of these questions, but here are some concise answers:
– My company specializes in dance & gymnastics instruction.
– Chattooga is known for our family atmosphere, our excellence in instruction, & our inclusion of students with special needs.
– I am most proud of the amazing young men & women who go through the Chattooga program. Those who do not have disabilities, but who have interacted with students with special needs, have grown into caring, empathetic adults who view all people as just people. The students with disabilities have tested their limits, lived up to & surpassed their potential, & are productive members of the community.
– Inclusion sets us apart!
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
NOTHING!
Contact Info:
- Address: 4005 Canton Rd. Marietta, Ga. 30066
- Website: www.chattoogagym.com
- Phone: 770-924-2832
- Email: chattoogagym@earthlink.net
- Facebook: Chattooga Gymnastics & Dance
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
Kathryn Campbell
September 1, 2018 at 3:53 pm
Cindy has touched the hearts of many around the world and provided opportunities for athletes with a disability to shine in their own right. Her inclusive attitude has been instrumental for many citizens of the world to feel good about themselves, their accomplishments, and their contributions to sports as well as an awareness to the public of disability and ability.