Watch future Olympians and competitive gymnasts hit the mats at the second annual Make an Impact Invitational, Oct. 1–2 at Sunnyslope High School, 35 W. Dunlap Ave. in Phoenix. A portion of the proceeds raised during the two-day event will help students at the United School for Autism in Scottsdale.

Impact Gymnastics, located at 7812 N. 12th St. in Phoenix, is striving to make an impact in the community where its students and families live, work and practice, according to a press release.

“The turnout for our inaugural event last year was remarkable and this year we are hoping to make an even bigger impact in the community,” Samantha Baltierrez, co-owner of Impact Gymnastics, said in the release. “We raised nearly $3,000 for last year’s nonprofit partner and this year we are aiming to match or exceed that dollar amount.”

This year’s beneficiary is the United School for Autism in Scottsdale, a cause close to the hearts of the Impact family.

“Autism touches a lot of people in the Valley and across the United States,” Maria Lawrence, co-owner of Impact Gymnastics, said in the release. “We chose the United School for Autism because two of my nephews have autism and attend this amazing facility. Also, my daughter, Bella, is currently pursuing a degree in special education, and teachers and classrooms need a lot of help to support their students.”

The United School for Autism is an accredited private nonprofit school serving grades 1–12 committed to providing an enriching, equal education opportunity for all its students, while providing access to mutually rewarding and meaningful relationships with the community. Students receive individualized academic programming, along with extracurricular classes including technology, music, physical education, art, group social skills and after-school clubs.

“We have always loved giving back to the community, this is just another way we can do more of it,” Lawrence said in the release. “It’s integral for us to exemplify to our students and families that involvement in the community is an important aspect of being a human and that teamwork is not only key to success on the mat but also in life, including helping those who have more hurdles to overcome.”

The Make an Impact Invitational is a USA Gymnastics sanctioned event and all participants must register through USGA to participate. There are currently 575 athletes from 20 teams registered to compete, with just a few sports remaining open. To register, visit usagym.org.

Impact Gymnastics is a private gym owned by Baltierrez and Lawrence. The working mothers understand from personal experience that parental and student needs are underserved in most gymnastics facilities in Arizona, which is why they were inspired to open Impact Gymnastics seven years ago. Impact Gymnastics provides classes that range from Olympic-level training to recreational gymnastics for all ages and skill levels. In 2020, Impact achieved an impressive milestone when its Level 5 Team earned the title of Arizona state champion.

For more information about the Make an Impact Invitational, or to donate money to the cause, visit www.ImpactGymAZ.com, call 602-870-7574 or email info@impactgymaz.com.