YWCA Greenwich’s Fall Party on Friday, October 30, welcomed more than 250 guests to the beautiful Belle Haven Club for an inspiring evening that celebrated the organization’s impact on local families while raising critical funds to make high quality youth programming accessible to all.
Coach Sue Knight, left, accepts the Youth Champion Award from YWCA President and CEO, Mary Lee Kienan, right. Photo: Fairfield County Look.
The evening’s highlight was the presentation of YWCA Greenwich’s Youth Champion Award to longtime gymnastics coach Sue Knight. With 37 years of service as YWCA Greenwich’s head gymnastics coach and 36 years leading the Greenwich High School varsity gymnastics team, Knight has made an extraordinary impact on generations of young athletes.
In accepting the award, Knight reflected not only on the privilege of coaching so many talented young athletes, but also on how much they have taught her over the years. She shared that her athletes continually inspire her, challenge her and make her a better coach.
Katelyn Ohashi (left) shares a lighthearted moment with Mary Lee Kiernan (center) and Sue Knight (right) during the YWCA Greenwich Fall Party. Photo: Fairfield County Look.
The evening’s keynote speaker, acclaimed gymnast Katelyn Ohashi, shared a deeply personal story about her journey as an athlete and how financial aid helped make it possible for her to pursue her dreams. Best known for her viral floor routine, which earned her a perfect 10 and garnered more than 200 million views on social media, Ohashi offered a powerful reminder of how access and opportunity can shape a young person’s future.
Ohashi also emphasized the importance of great coaches and youth sports, noting that the lessons learned through athletics extend far beyond the gym. Confidence, resilience, teamwork and the ability to overcome challenges are just some of the lifelong skills young people gain through sports.
Winter Gymnastics Registration Now Open
For children with Olympic-level aspirations—or simply a love of movement, learning and fun—winter registration for YWCA Greenwich’s gymnastics program is now open. Led by Coach Sue Knight, who was honored at the Fall Party, the program offers classes for children ages 3–12, ranging from introductory balance and tumbling classes for young children to progressive gymnastics instruction for elementary and middle school-aged participants. Classes focus on developing coordination, flexibility, strength and discipline in a supportive and encouraging environment. Due to high demand, families are encouraged to register early.
Recent facility renovations have further enhanced the gymnastics experience, including new gymnastics mats and viewing windows that allow parents to watch their children participate in class.
Financial assistance is available to qualifying families, helping ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation. Support from Fall Party donors helps make these opportunities possible, extending the impact of the evening beyond the event itself and into the lives of local children and families.
For additional information about YWCA Greenwich’s gymnastics program or to register for winter classes, visit ywcagreenwich.org.