HomeMy WebLinkAboutSPP-21-000227 05.05.23 J. RASMUSSEN TESTIMONY May 5, 2023 COB PLANNING D
MAY 112023 pi 2:L J
To Whom It May Concern:
REC'D . :Y MAIL.
I am writing to you today in support of Special Use Permit 21-000227 for Kona Aerials
Gymnastics. I am a mother of two girls who both take classes here and I just want to tell you
how devastated my kids will be if you do not renew this permit. My girls LOVE gymnastics! It is
an amazing way for them to spend their afternoons, surrounded by friends, and excellent
coaches! We are so lucky to have a program like this in Kona, please do not take that away from
us.
As you may or may not know, kids don't have a ton of opportunities for after school programs
in Kona. This is currently the only place on the west side of the island that teaches gymnastics.
So if you don't renew their permit,there is no other place for kids to learn gymnastics.
I would also like to share with you some facts about how gymnastics benefits our youth:
1. Disease Prevention
Participating in moderate gymnastics training regularly reduces the risk of developing
health related diseases such as asthma, cancer, obesity, heart disease and diabetes.
Gymnastics encourages a healthy diet, regular exercise and a balanced lifestyle.
Gymnastics training assists in the building of strong bones in children and can decrease
the risk of developing osteoporosis in later life. Children, teenagers, adults and the
elderly can equally reap the health benefits of gymnastics participation.
2. Increased Flexibility
A large amount of time is spent on improving flexibility in gymnastics training. For
competitive gymnasts this means improving leaps and jumps. For recreational and adult
gymnasts this is about improving the flexibility of muscle groups in order to prevent
injury. The more flexible a person's muscles are,the less likely they are to strain or tear
a muscle completing everyday tasks.
3. Improves Motor Skill Development and Accelerates Learning
In gymnastics training, athletes learn how to strategically fall, and are constantly making
minor adjustments in movements.These constant adjustments allow gymnasts to
become more aware of movements and their consequences. This improves coordination
and accelerates the learning of fine motor skills.
4. Improves Concentration
Gymnastics helps improve focus in young people and adults. Gymnastics tasks require
high levels of concentration in order to reduce the risk of injury. Improved
concentration and focus comes from the independent thinking and problem solving
skills developed while learning a new skill or completing a difficult task. New skills and
difficult tasks are relative to each individual so improvements in focus and
concentration can be seen throughout all levels of gymnastics. Improving concentration
can also improve a person's cognitive function and memory skills.
5. Discipline
Gymnastics training teaches discipline to athletes from a young age. Athletes must be
able to take corrections from their coaches and apply them independently; they must
also be able to continue with their program on their own when a coach is working with
another athlete. Gymnasts learn to have the discipline and commitment to attend class
every session. In addition, athletes acquire determination to push through fears in order
to achieve new skills
6. Improves Strength
Gymnastics training emphasises body weight strength to improve core strength,
reflexes, whole body muscle extension and flexion, and balance. Gymnasts are some of
the strongest athletes in the world and gymnastics strength training can help tone all
muscles and assist in decreasing chronic muscle soreness and pain.
7. Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Young people participating in competitive gymnastics are more likely to make good
lifestyle choices. this is due to the busy schedule that gymnastics training demands on
top of schooling. Gymnastics also creates more
mentally healthy children and can increase self-esteem.
8.Time Management
It is a common occurrence that top performing gymnasts are also top performing
students. This is due to the fact that gymnastics teaches young people time
management skills. Students involved in gymnastics must typically plan their weeks in
advance. Adults who participate in gymnastics as children are generally better at
managing their time later in life than those with no gymnastics experience.
Please do the right thing for our keiki, and APPROVE this special permit.
With Aloha,
Jenny Rasmussen
76-6317 Kololia St.
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
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