Courtesy of Wilberforce University
“The introduction of a gymnastics team aligns with our commitment to provide inclusive athletic programs and highlights our belief in the power of diversity in sports and empowering future generations of gymnasts,” said Wilberforce President Dr. Vann R. Newkirk.
The institution of the Wilberforce gymnastics team is in partnership with Brown Girls DO Gymnastics. The organization is an “advocacy organization helping to guide Brown Girls through their acrobatic careers.” BGDG was also instrumental in the birthing of the gymnastics programs at both Fisk and Talladega College.
Brown Girls Do Gymnastics and Wilberforce will host Camp Isla this summer at the school’s campus on June 20-23, 2024.
With its genesis back in 2021 at BGDG’s Annual Conference at Grambling State, Camp Isla is now a pre-conference event that allows girls to get high-level gymnastics training. Other aims of the group include strengthening college club gymnasts, networking, and laying the groundwork for the expansion of HBCU gymnastics.
The Wilberforce gymnastics team will start competition in 2026.