Starting today through the 9th, over 1,000 high school and college students from 35 different schools in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico will gather at Southern for AcroFest for the first time since 2014.
Acrofest is the annual event where Adventist institution’s gymnastics teams come together to learn, train and demonstrate gymnastic skills. The theme this year is “Live for Him,” chosen to represent the Southern Gym-Masters team’s desire to do everything for the glory of God.
“We chose the theme through prayer and inspiration,” said Richard Schwarz, Gym-Masters coach. “We want to do everything for the glory of God. AcroFest will have daily worships reflecting the theme, talking about practical ways to live for Him.”
According to Schwarz, participants with the help of professional clinicians will work to improve their technical skills. The coaches will extend their knowledge about the best up-to-date ways to perform gymnastics safely and effectively. Some skills worked on will be aerial, silks, wall walking, trapeze and more.
“The goal is to spark an interest in pursuing gymnastics more seriously in every student and inspire them to do their best for Christ in every other area of their lives,” Schwarz said.
On Thursday evening, students will have the opportunity to showcase the skills they’ve learned at the “Southern’s Got Talent” event.
AcroFest will conclude on Saturday evening with a show in Iles Gym at 7:30 p.m. Participants will perform for Southern students, faculty, the Collegedale community and others.
“Tickets are selling really fast so I would encourage people to get some as soon as possible to come out and support,” Schwarz said. The show will also be streamed on www.southern.edu/events/acrofest2019.html