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We're Open, Tallahassee: Gym Force Gymnastics used shutdown to increase COVID-19 safety

Posted at 5:57 PM, Oct 21, 2020
and last updated 2020-10-21 17:57:25-04

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — With the economic uncertainties from the coronavirus, we here at ABC 27 are shining a light on businesses doing their part to help out the community while keeping their business open.

One local business is putting the force behind providing safety during a pandemic.

Gym Force Gymnastics started as a collegiate class project to help regulate the city's recreational overflow and serve the community for 24 years.

The company is now a sports center for competitive and recreational gymnastics for youth.

The co-owners Jim Hisey and Nikolai Korepanov are making sure that safety is as much of a passion as gymnastics.

Gym Force Gymnastics has gone over and beyond to implement a safe environment from requiring face masks and designated pathways to providing temp checks and sanitizing stations.

They've even made some physical changes.

"We took the opportunity to go ahead and do a little facelift," said Korepanov. "So, this whole observation area got increased by at least 50 percent. Which is something we were planning on doing kind of anyway. It was something we always wanted to do, but we took the opportunity. And with COVID, it works out really nice because we're able to help people be separated. We also have another observation area upstairs."

Since reopening this past summer, Gym Force Gymnastics has also decreased their classes and class sizes. They plan to add back more programs as the pandemic subsides slowly.

While making changes to help with coronavirus safety, Gym Force has reduced community events, including a unique partnership with the Special Olympics.

"We host Special Olympics Gymnastics for Leon County," Korepanov said. "It's been a big part of our program. So, there is a component that we definitely miss out on because, in a lot of ways, we get more out of partnering with them than I think the athletes do. It's definitely this kind of missing piece for this season for sure."

Their annual aerial silks showcase in the gym is canceled; instead, they'll stream it on Halloween.

For more info on Gym Force Gymnastics, click here.

If you're a business supporting our community, we want to hear from you.

ABC 27 has made it easy to submit your own business.

This is not just Tallahassee. South Georgia small businesses, we want to hear from you too!

Click on the We're Open, Tallahassee tab at the top of the ABC 27 website. Then, tell us your story by filling out the section to the right.

It's our way of letting people know you are open for business and how they can support you.