Spearheaded by gymnasts Madison Kocian and Kendal Poston, our first NEGU Crew event of 2019, provided a VIP experience for Courageous Kid Hany! Hany came to Pauley Pavilion at UCLA for some personal and very special introductions to UCLA Gymnastics Team members and staff including: Jordyn Wieber (Olympic Gold Medalist & Volunteer Assistant Coach), Valorie Kondos-Field (UCLA Head Coach), Madison Kocian (Olympic Gold & Silver Medalist, current UCLA gymnast), Katelyn Ohashi (current UCLA gymnast & viral social media sensation), Margzetta Frazier (USA National Team Member & current UCLA gymnast), Gracie Kramer (current UCLA gymnast) and Samantha Peszek (Olympic Silver Medalist, Pac12 Commentator, UCLA Gymnastics alumni).
Hany had the opportunity to meet and see the gymnastics team warm-up in the front row with an up close and personal view at the beauty of the sport of gymnastics. Hany had never attended a gymnastics meet before, so the experience was very new and fun for her! She was amazed by how skinny the balance beam was, and in awe of how talented and accomplished the gymnasts were.
“Having Hany as our special guest on Saturday motivated me to compete for a bigger purpose. I’m extra thankful I get the opportunity to compete in NCAA gymnastics as a UCLA Bruin with opportunities to encourage kids like Hany to Never Ever Give Up!” – Madison Kocian
“Hany’s smile lit up Pauley Pavilion. When you compete for something bigger than scores or winning, the joy of the sport truly shows. Hany helped bring out this magic and we are so blessed to have had her as our guest of honor!” – Kendal Poston
Thank you to UCLA Gymnastics Bruins NEGU Crew for an incredible and memorable experience for Hany!
