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Fundraiser to help trampoline champion compete in Russia

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Angela Foster talks about getting ready for competition
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  • BY APRILL BRANDON - ABRANDON@VICAD.COM
  • Originally published November 3, 2009 at 7:06 p.m., updated November 4, 2009 at 1:15 p.m.

  • IF YOU GO

    WHAT: "The Road to Russia" fundraiser for Angela Foster

    WHEN: 3-6 p.m. Saturday

    WHERE: Gymagic, 106 W. Rio Grande St., Victoria.

    COST: The event is free and open to the public.

    HISTORY ...

  • SHOW ALL »

    • IF YOU GO

    WHAT: "The Road to Russia" fundraiser for Angela Foster

    WHEN: 3-6 p.m. Saturday

    WHERE: Gymagic, 106 W. Rio Grande St., Victoria.

    COST: The event is free and open to the public.

    HISTORY OF THE TRAMPOLINE

    The trampoline is said to have been developed by the Eskimos and invented by a French trapeze artist named du Trampolin, according to NBCOlympics.com.

    The first modern-style trampoline was invented in 1936 by George Nissen, an American inventor. During World War II, the device created by Nissen was used in military training.

    From 1947-1969, trampoline was included as an event in gymnastics competitions by both the AAU and NCAA, according to www.usa-gymnastics.org. The first Trampoline World Championships was in 1964. In the U.S., trampoline was first recognized as a sport in its own right in 1967.

    In 2000, trampoline was added to the Olympics games.

What started as a birthday party activity has landed one young teenager on the international road to sports stardom.

Angela Foster was 5 years old the first time she stepped onto a trampoline at a friend's birthday party at Gymagic. By age 6, she was enrolled in the gym's trampoline summer program. Now, at 15, she is headed to Russia to represent her country at the World Age-Group Championships on Nov. 14-22.

"Competing internationally has always been a dream," Angela said. "Now that I've made it, I can hardly believe it's happening. I'm nervous but ready and really appreciate all the support and well wishes I've received from friends and people here in Victoria."

Angela, a freshman at Memorial High School, will do her routine for the synchronized trampoline competition with her partner, Alicia Powder, who just happens to live in California. Her coach Cindy Burkett stays in touch with Alicia's coach, Peter Dodd, via the Internet.

"They have to be completely synchronized, so we time their skills every day," Burkett said. "If the clocks are right, in theory, the routine should be fine. But we'll also get some training time in together before the competition."

Angela's road to Russia first began when she was named to the USA Junior National Team in August at the Visa Championships in Dallas. After making it to the final selection competition in Las Vegas, where she and Alicia finished second, both were named to the USA International Delegation Team.

The international competition is getting Angela just one step closer to her ultimate dream: The Olympics.

"I've always been a big fan and always watch the trampoline Olympic events on TV. But I'm just taking this step-by-step," Angela said. "Being a trampolinist is something people really don't understand. They see me jump and think 'Oh, I could do that.' But it's harder than they think."

No one knows that better than her coach. As the owner and head coach at Gymagic for 20 years, Burkett has had many young athletes under her tutelage, but she noticed Angela's natural ability very early on.

"I knew Angela had special talent the moment I saw her having fun at camp, jumping and bouncing around on the trampoline. Over the years, she has taken that natural ability and honed it with toughness and dedication to become a real champion," Burkett said.

Although being named to the USA team and competing internationally is a huge honor in and of itself, it's not an honor that comes free. Angela's family, as well as Burkett, have to foot most of the travel expenses, which total $11,000.

As such, a fundraiser is planned in Angela's honor to help her get to Russia.

This Saturday, Gymagic will play host to "The Road To Russia" fundraiser, which will include gymnastics skills demonstrations, barbecue brisket with all the trimmings, raffles, games and door prizes.


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Comments

  • Beakus Beakus Report a ViolationReport a Violation Permalink

    Nice article Miss Aprill. This is good old hometown, positive, and worthwhile news about the youth in the Victoria area.

    November 4, 2009 at 4:39 p.m.
  • countrycatfrazier countrycatfrazier Report a ViolationReport a Violation Permalink

    Good Luck Angela, Victoria pay attention there are some good young folks out there, that will shine a good light on Victoria. Keep up the good work

    November 4, 2009 at 2:20 p.m.
  • lilolme lilolme Report a ViolationReport a Violation Permalink

    WONDERFUL article, April!! This is an exciting opportunity for this young lady, so lets all go out there and support her!!

    November 4, 2009 at 7:31 a.m.