spotlight on business: Spivey’s Gymnastics

Published 9:00 am Sunday, March 20, 2016

VALDOSTA – A former Olympian has opened a facility in Valdosta to train youths in the art of gymnastics.

Hope Spivey is originally from Suffolk, Virginia and competed in the 1988 Olympics. She is also an 11-time All American, five-time NCAA National Champion, 1994 SEC Athlete of the Year and has been inducted into both the Virginia and Georgia Sports Hall of Fame.

She is the record holder of 27 perfect scores.

Although the facility may be new, Spivey has operated Spivey’s Gymnastics since 1998. It originated in Winder.

Over the years, Spivey made friends throughout the state and when she decided to lay down new roots, she was encouraged to consider Valdosta.

“There was a longing for this,” said Spivey. “When you have a private club where everything is gymnastics, you have more flexibility.”

She and her 11-year-old daughter Kristina picked up and moved to Valdosta.

Getting set up was no easy task and Spivey hit quite a few walls and obstacles along the way.

“It’s a lot of work,” said Spivey. “I began pushing the ball to see if this is what I’m suppose to be doing. It has been a true testament of faith. I’ve put everything into this and I pray that we can really build a strong gymnastics program.

Her custom built facility is now up and running.

“This has been a major blessing and hopefully, Lord willing, it’ll be a strong part of the community for years to come,” said Spivey.

This training facility houses everything gymnasts needs to perfect their talents. It is split into competitive and non-competitive sides and still has plenty of room for more expansion.

The front room of the facility has a registration area and will soon have a pro-shop. Rooms upfront will serve as a work space, birthday party area and homework room.

Spivey’s Gymnastics offers a variety of programs spanning all age ranges.

All class information and registration can be found online at www.spiveysgym.com. For more information, e-mails can be sent to info@spiveysgym.com. 

Spivey’s Gymnastics is located at 2403 James Road. 

Desiree Carver is Lifestyles Editor at the Valdosta Daily Times. She can be reached at (229) 375-5777.