While the world's best athletes compete in the 2016 Rio Games, kids everywhere are dreaming of winning medals.
That's the power of the Olympics.
For parents interested in nurturing a new love of sports, there are lots of options. Here are some North Fulton training centers that may be the perfect place to start your child on his or her Olympic journey.
Tennis Academy of the South. various locations in metro Atlanta. 404-668-7623. www.tennisacademyofthesouth.com
Your child could begin the journey to become the next Serena Williams at the Tennis Academy of the South. The academy, which has classes in several locations throughout metro Atlanta, including at Newtown Park in Johns Creek, is one of the oldest in the South, and the coaches have trained some of the best athletes.
Gery Groslimond, the executive director, has taught 12 NCAA All-Americans, five NCAA national champions and two junior national champions. The academy officers several drill sessions throughout the year, plus training for kids and adults.
Atlanta Rowing Club. 500 Azalea Drive, Roswell, Ga. 30075. 678-885-7697. www.atlantarow.org
Rowing has become an increasingly popular sport in recent years, and the Olympics could ignite a love for the competition in your child. That is where the Atlanta Rowing Club can come in.
The club offers courses in rowing, as well as clinics and coaching. It even offers scholarships for young adults, in some cases. The club also has shells for crews of eight plus a coxswain, as well as storage locations for people who have their own equipment.
Eagle Fencing Club. 4150 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 20. Alpharetta, Ga. 30005. 678-882-7174. eaglefencingclub.com
Kids who love sword-play might have fallen in love with fencing, thanks to the Summer Games. If so, parents can take them to learn the art of the foil at Eagle Fencing Club of Atlanta.
Eagle Fencing is the training ground of some of the best fencers in the world. Among its staff is former Chinese National Olympic Coach Ying Guo, who coached medalists in the Sydney, Athens and London Games.
The club offers private lessons in foil, epee and sabre, and holds camps and tournaments for all ages and levels.
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