WENDY HILLIARD GYMNASTICS FOUNDATION
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Mission Statement
The mission of the Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation is to empower the lives of young people from underserved communities by improving physical and emotional health through the sport of gymnastics.
About This Cause
The Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation (WHGF), founded in 1996 by Hall of Fame rhythmic gymnast Wendy Hilliard, provides free and low-cost gymnastics training and youth development services to children ages 3-17, particularly those from underserved communities. Inspired by Wendy’s experience as the first African American to represent the U.S. in rhythmic gymnastics and as the coach of Aliane Baquerot for the 1996 Olympics, WHGF was established to ensure that all children have access to opportunities in sports and education. Since its inception in New York City, WHGF has served over 25,000 youth through grassroots gymnastics programs and elite training. Expanding to Detroit in 2016, the foundation reaches over 1000 participants annually. WHGF is funded through government grants, private foundations, corporate sponsorships, earned income, and individual donations. A leader in urban youth development, WHGF is dedicated to diversity and inclusion in gymnastics, with a coaching staff of former high-level gymnasts who mentor and train the next generation. Recognized by USA Gymnastics as a Trampoline Development Center, WHGF offers training in artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, tumbling, and trampoline. Its competitive teams have performed at renowned venues like Madison Square Garden and Lincoln Center and have produced national and international-level athletes, including: Alexis Page and BJ Mensah – USA Gymnastics National Team members, Aries Wickham – Pan American Maccabi Games Silver Medalist, ZaQuae Carter – 2023 World Championship Bronze Medalist, Olivia Boisson – New York City Ballet dancer, McKenzie Ryan – Former gymnast, now real estate agent, Nas Abdur-Rahman – Former Birmingham Royal Ballet dancer who is now with Cincinnati Ballet. WHGF also hosts major community events, including the Harlem Gymnastics Invitational (welcoming over 800 gymnasts nationwide), Black Gymnasts in History series, National Gymnastics Day celebrations in Harlem and Detroit, Harlem Gymnastics Festival, and Olympic Day events. The foundation collaborates with partners such as Columbia Community Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, Kemeny Recreation Center, and Motor City Flip Factory. Beyond gymnastics, WHGF integrates health, wellness, education, and workforce development into its programs. Through partnerships with the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Literacy Inc., Sports and Arts in Schools Foundation, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, and the Hospital for Special Surgery, WHGF promotes access to nutrition programs, academic support, and personal development resources. Looking ahead, WHGF remains committed to expanding access to gymnastics and fostering youth development in underserved communities. By inspiring a love for the sport, promoting educational excellence, and building confidence and discipline, WHGF continues to create lasting opportunities for young athletes to succeed in and beyond the gym.