This year, skating and gymnastics have become the most popular after-school activities for TCS preschool and elementary school students. 

These usually underrated sports, have now surpassed the number of students that once made soccer and basketball the most prominent sports. One reason reason for this is that preschool and elementary school student now have more days for after school activities and can select more than one sport.  

“Our goal is to organize these sports so that kids will continue in either of these sports through Middle and High School whether it’s here, at la liga, or as a hobby for life,” Freddy Badillo, TCS Athletic Director, said.

This year there’s a total of 86 kids at the skating program, from K4 to 1st grade. Last year, there was only one teacher in charge, but due to the rapid increase in students involved, two more teachers were added.

“I think what caused this new interest in both skating and gymnastics, is the fact that students can now choose more than one sport because they can stay the five days of the week which wasn’t a possibility before,” Badillo said.

Gymnastics, has also had a huge increase of participants this year. This sport has become more important in the school, and is now practiced by girls up to Middle School.

“Gymnastics is not just about doing flips and jumping around. It involves many other factors that influence a child’s development,” Ana María Ramirez, professional gymnast and TCS gymnastics coach, said.

Most students in skating and gymnastics are girls; however, there are also a significant amount of boys who are enrolling in these activities as well. Skating is especially exciting for most kids seen as they get to practice their skills outside of school.  

“I know how to skate very well. I go to La Ciclovía with my parents and I also skate in my parking lot! I want to be a skating teacher,” Amalia Gaviria, K5 student, said.

Trainers are also enthusiastic about teaching these sport to older kids. Skating teacher Cristian Marin, sports professional and  multifaceted athlete, has used spaces like the High School parking lot, in order to teach skating at a more competitive level.

“Competitive skating is a very popular sport in Colombia, and it’s growing in an international level as well,” Marin said.

The school is putting a lot of emphasis on implementing a variety of activities in which students can participate. High quality coaches are essential in order for each activity to work safely and effectively.

“The quality of the trainers is incredible this year. They are excellent athletes and excellent people and I think kids appreciate this,” Ramirez said.

Even though students start experimenting with other sports as they grow older, the school is very positive that these sports will continue being of great importance to those who are now practicing them.

“Skating and gymnastics teach students skills for life. Students get to work on their individual abilities, learn about discipline and most importantly have fun and meet new friends,” Marin said.