Falcon gymnasts support breast cancer cure

Published Oct. 9, 2009
By Valerie Perkin
Athletic Communications

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFNS) -- The gymnasts here are used to competing against other teams, but they came together to fight a tougher opponent Oct. 4, taking to the streets of downtown Denver to participate in the city's17th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

Denver's Race for the Cure is one of nearly 120 such races that take place annually around the world. The races raise funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer, celebrate breast cancer survivorship and honor those who have lost their battle with the disease.

The 23 members of the Falcons' gymnastics program were among the more than 50,000 participants that took part in the Denver race. The race began at Confluence Park and continued around Invesco Field at Mile High before ended at the parking lot of the Pepsi Center.

Cadet Dan Klimkowski, who engineered the gymnasts' participation, said he saw the project as a way to promote bonding between the men's and women's teams and support a cause that affects several of the squadmembers' friends and loved ones.

"As gymnasts, we focus on bettering ourselves every day through practice," Cadet Klimkowski said. "I thought this would be a great chance to better our community also."

"The walk was more than the men's and women's teams coming together," said Cadet Garrett Canter, the men's team captain. "It was a chance to make a difference in someone else's life. For a few of us, this walk was very special and close to their hearts."

In all, the Falcons raised more than $2,000 for the cause. The race was one of several community service projects that the gymnastics team volunteers with during the season. The Falcons also participate in the "Adopt A School" program, teaching gymnastics to students at Monroe Elementary School in Colorado Springs.

"My guys have gone above the call of duty once again," said men's gymnastics head coach Kip Simons. "They never cease to amaze me with their commitment to excellence both on and off the field. This is a project they took on completely on their own. To take time out of their busy schedule to raise money and walk for such a good cause makes me proud to be a part of this institution."

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