East Texas Tumblers host 10th annual Cheer Camp

By Tim Emmons
temmons@casscountynow.com

Becky McClure, owner and operator of East Texas Tumblers in downtown Atlanta, recently held her 10th annual Cheer Camp with 28 participants taking part in the event.
The camp began on May 31 and carried through to June 2.
McClure was upbeat with the turnout given that several more campers were on vacation with their families.
“We thought if we hold it early we could catch a lot of families before they left for summer,” McClure said. “It’s hard when families leave for summer, other things are going on or when school is still in session like it was for McLeod and Linden.”
At the end of the three day camp, as is every year, the young cheerleaders put on a show for their families and the community to demonstrate what they have learned as a result of being involved in Mrs. McClure’s camp.
McClure had help from some of her former and current students who taught the younger cheerleaders how to develop their strength, speed, flexibility and coordination.
Her help included AMS cheerleader Aubrey Anthony, former student and former AHS cheerleader Kabrelyn Boyce, daughter and current AHS varsity cheerleader Mallory McClure and former AHS cheerleader, level nine gymnast and daughter Savannah McClure.
McClure has been teaching gymnastics for more than 30 years and believes that gymnastics is the foundation of every sport.
“I believe gymnastics is the foundation of all sports because it can assist all children in the development of their strength, speed, flexibility, and coordination,” McClure mentioned. “With this combination, injuries can be reduced and it can help anyone in their athletic pursuit.”
McClure is also a member of the United States Gymnastic Association and has traveled to many gymnastic events over the past several years including the National Gymnastic Convention and takes many gymnastic and safety courses of continuing education every year at the conventions.
East Texas Tumblers’ competitive cheer team, East Texas Storm, will train throughout July and beyond for the upcoming travel season which will begin in November and carry on through sometime in March.
Crystal Purifoy, a certified NCA instructor of 14 years, joins with McClure over the summer to teach several teams under the East Texas Storm name.