Every four years, the Olympics captivate kids across the world. And quickly, a fascination for the ping pong table can turn into a competitive drive to become a table tennis champion.
In Gwinnett, there are hard-core competitive leagues to help nurture your kids' Olympic dreams and start them off on a path that could one day earn them a gold medal.
Here are some places in Gwinnett where parents can take young athletes to train.
Suwanee Sports Academy. 3640 Burnette Road, Suwanee, Ga. 30024. 770-614-6686. www.ssasports.com
Suwanee Sports Academy offers training in basketball and volleyball like no other place in the area.
Training at VolleyAcademy lasts from January through the spring, and kids can join teams to compete. The basketball programs run year-round. The academy also offers summer camps that draw competitors from across the nation for the world-class sports programs.
Frazier Cycling. 675 Welford Road NW, Suwanee, Ga. 30024. 770-513-8640. www.fraziercycling.com
If your kid loves bike riding, Frazier Cycling might be the place to go.
The organization has won nine Juniors Road National Championships, and has helped five kids place at IronKids and USAT nationals. Programs range from beginners to adults, and the company even leases bikes to anyone who doesn't yet have the right equipment.
For ages 6-9, parents can participate in rides and camps.
Atlanta Georgia Table Tennis Association. 4651 Britt Road, Norcross, Ga. 30093. agtta.org
The Olympics has proved that table tennis is more than a basement family activity. One of the most competitive places to get into the sport is Lucky Shoals Park in Gwinnett.
The Atlanta Georgia Table Tennis Association hosts a league every Tuesday night, with special events and tournaments throughout the year.
The league is open to anyone — and you will find children and seniors at the gym each week. Each Sunday, there is free group coaching, with prviate coaching is available as well.
