Laken Lewis Invited To Train Under Coach Chow In West Des Moines, Iowa (07/22/15)

(Article and photos by Leap of Faith Gymnastics)

Laken Lewis, 13, daughter of Jon & Patty Lewis of Clarion has been invited to Chow’s Gymnastics & Dance US National Team Training Center for gymnastics training in West Des Moines, Iowa. Lewis will receive the top level of training in the USA, working each day with Liang Chow, his wife, Liwen Zhuang, and some of the best coaches in the world, who have reached success at the local, state, regional, national, collegiate and Olympic levels. In addition to her gymnastics and dance training at Chow’s Gym, Lewis will receive several hours of conditioning, and team building exercises.

Laken Lewis

Jon Lewis, her father and owner/head coach at Leap of Faith Gymnastics, will be assisting on the floor as a guest coach. Jon has previously attended International Gymnastics Camp (IGC), and has worked with judges and other professional coaches from Compulsory to the Olympic level, including 1996 Olympic Champion, Svetlana Boginskaia.

Liang Chow is a former World Champion Gymnastic Medalist himself, and has personally trained 2008 Olympic Balance Beam Champion Shawn Johnson and 2012 Olympic Individual All-Around Champion Gabby Douglas. His wife and assistant coach, Liwen Zhuang, is a former gymnast from the Women’s Chinese National Team.

Laken has been competing at Leap of Faith Gymnastics of Clarion since 2009. She competed last year as a first-year Level 9, qualifying for both states and regionals. Laken began her career as a Level 5, qualifying for states and sectionals in her first meet. Since then, Laken has worked hard on all four Olympic events, Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam and Floor, earning many medals and trophies by taking first place time after time.

Laken Lewis is accepting donations through gofundme.com/lakenlewis, “HELP LAKEN LEWIS ATTEND CHOWS GYM” to help raise funds for this special trip she is quite passionate about. Anyone and everyone can donate any amount to her GoFundMe fund – every little bit helps!

Alternatively, Sponsorship checks of $100+ sent directly to the gym are being accepted in exchange for business advertising on the Leap of Faith website (leapoffaithgym.webs.com) now through December 2015. All checks may be sent to Leap of Faith Gymnastics, 1063 Neely Road, Clarion, Pa. 16214.

Laken has proven herself to be a top notch example of dedication and passion. Her continued success year after year has shown her commitment to her sport and driven success. Jon, Patty & Laken will be representing Leap of Faith Gymnastics and this will all become possible thanks to everyone’s generous sponsorship and support.

Laken on the balance beam

There is a very small amount of time to reach a goal of $4,000, but with the aid of our community and extended communities, we will be able to help Laken achieve her dream to train at Chow’s Gymnastics & Dance US National Team Training Center!

The Lewis’ are thanking everyone in advance for their donations, and while the Lewis’ prepare for their continuing journey, they invite everyone to view videos and photos on Facebook (Leap of Faith Gymnastics) and YouTube (leapoffaithgym) as you will be impressed with Laken’s talent, knowing it will take her far in her career.

(BEST WISHES LAKEN!!!!)