Talented kids strut their stuff

Monticello Gymnastics Exhibition honors 50th birthday of legendary coach Pedro Tweed

By RICHARD A. ROSS

MONTICELLO, NY — For the past 28 years, Pedro Tweed has touched the lives of countless kids. Tweed, who coaches at the Monticello Gymnastics Club, is about to celebrate his 50th birthday and in his honor, his fiancé, Caroline Hayes, arranged for many former gymnasts to surprise him at this year’s 21st annual gymnastics exhibition held at Monticello High School on June 10.

Tweed knew something was up and asked former gymnast, now turned assistant boys’ gymnastics coach, Todd Brasington, what was going on. Brasington’s less than convincing attempt at a clueless answer confirmed Tweed’s premonition that his fiancé and his daughter, Amanda, were plotting something for his birthday.

And so it was that many kids whom Pete had coached attended the show and a subsequent birthday party picnic held on June 11 at De Hoyos Park in Monticello.

The unflappable Tweed was truly surprised when his brother, Louis, and his mother, Cleopatra, arrived at the picnic from the city.

“My mother never goes anywhere,” Tweed said with emotion.

Peoples’ devotion and affection for Tweed are timeless and enduring. He is a rare person who single-handedly alters the community landscape by motivating and involving youth in activities that build their physical stamina and skills, and affect their sense of efficacy and self- worth.

As the gymnasts—from tiny tots to deftly agile teenagers—showed their skills, the packed house audience responded with unbridled enthusiasm. The Monticello Gymnastics Club wowed the audience as they used the vault, the still rings, the floor, the parallel bars, the balance beam and the uneven bars to demonstrate their finesse. Newcomers, who celebrated their first year in one of Tweed’s gymnastics classes, joined experienced kids including 10-year veteran competitive gymnast Jonathan Ross and teammate, nine-year veteran gymnast Kienan Garn, in performing the skills that Tweed has taught them.