Flipping Our Way To Success

• What is the mission of your company or project?

The Athletic Arts Academy is committed to social change through youth athletics. Supporting the physical and mental health of our children and their families is critical as we navigate this very traumatic period. We are specialists in the art and benefits of gymnastics. We train more than tricks. We inspire those around us to live vivaciously and victoriously.

• Describe the problem you are solving.

The top three causes of death in the United States - heart disease, cancer, and stroke - are all illnesses that could be prevented by changes in diet and exercise. Increasingly, health experts believe that the key to preventing lifestyle diseases in adults is to focus on childhood health."¹

The number of reported incidents of depression, self-harm, even suicide are increasing among young children. "It could be caused by any combination of factors that relate to physical health, life events, family history, environment, genetic vulnerability, and biochemical disturbance.

Roughly one out of every 40 children in the United States suffers from childhood depression. Children from chaotic or conflicted families are also at greater risk of childhood depression."² The odds of depressive symptoms were lower when there were greater opportunities for the youths to be involved in sport or other activities at school outside of class, to be very active during physical education classes, and to play on sports teams both at school and outside of school."³

Studies have found "children with ADHD...showed greater response accuracy on attention control tasks following a single bout of exercise than following the seated reading.

In recent years, concerns about children's safety, [bullying and gun violence] the popularity of video games and computers, and increased academic demands have contributed to the decline in outdoor play for children. Unless children are involved in sports, gymnastics, dance, or similar activities, they have limited involvement in exercise-related activities.”⁴

Considering this is research is pre-pandemic, our services are necessary now more than ever.

• What is the market size/opportunity?

$336 MILLION - 1,123 Businesses Nation-Wide

108% INCREASE - Number Of Children Using Health Clubs To Exercise Since 1990

18.6% INCREASE - In Memberships First-Time Members Under 18 Doubled In Last 10 Years

70% OBESITY - US Children Are Clinically Obese

• What is your company/product about and how does it solve the problem? 

A 10,500 square foot, Olympic-styled, youth athletic training facility in the heart of Orange, NJ, central to North Jersey’s urban metropolitan. We provide year-round youth gymnastics, dance, skate and fitness programs along with school-age child care and out-of-school camps, fundraising events. Our professional team consists of nationally certified athletic trainers with background in social work and childhood education. Along with training children eager to learn everything from cartwheels to competition, we provide education on nutrition, self-care, and social skills.

• Why are you seeking funding and how will you spend the funding?

We are seeking funds to increase our staff/professional team, assist with operational costs, and to purchase 7-15 passenger school bus/transportation vehicle. Transportation has been an impediment for busy families as well as government agencies who have shown interest in providing the Academy with much needed contracts.

• Who is on your team?

Jill Johnson, Co-Founder, Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership

Sheri Nixon, Global Sales Strategy & Operations, Amazon Web Services

Matt Martone, Principal Solutions Engineer, Salesforce

Christopher Cavaiola, Associate Attorney, Gibbons P.C.

Thank you Jill, Sheri, Matt, and Chris and many more for donating your time and expertise to help this black woman-owned, small business stay the course!