Gymnastics event aids veterans
Oct. 31—WILKES-BARRE TWP. — As Veterans Day draws near, one local gymnastics center is gearing up to give back to local veterans while highlighting the talent of their own and of other gymnasts.
Joelle and Dave D'Arco, of Mountain Top, co-owners of Shooting Starz Gymnastics, will be holding their ninth Warrior Invitational meet at Split Rock Resort on Nov. 19 and 20.
"I would say annual, but we obviously got waylaid like everybody else with the pandemic," Dave said. Pre-pandemic, 600 participants were involved. D'Arco said they're climbing back to those numbers, with 400 participants across 15 teams expected for this year's event.
In previous years, the Invitational was held at the Kingston Armory, however, the venue has shifted.
Dave's father served in the Marine Corps, and so when he and his wife opted to put on an event, they went with the warrior theme, and took it a step further to ensure that proceeds would help veterans.
Initially, they worked directly with National Guard soldiers at the Armory, two of whom were dealing with medical issues and one whose house burnt down. Then there was a clothing drive. Lately, a portion of proceeds have been going to St. Hedwig's Veterans Village in Kingston.
"We really want to call out the Veterans Village, because the work they do is incredible," Dave said, noting that they've gone to St. Hedwig's to meet with the veterans. Dave's son helps with their garden every spring. "To see them and knowing what they've done for us and our kids when they come down, when we present them with the check and everything, it's really an emotional time for them."
Donations for the previous eight events have totaled just over $30,000, and Shooting Starz is showing no signs of slowing down.
"Our kids absolutely love it," Dave told a reporter. "One thing that we do that really makes it special — in every gymnastics meet, there's a walk-in with all the gymnasts and their teams are called onto the floor and their recognized. Well, we do what's called the 'Warrior Walk-In' where every gymnast that has, whether it be a family member that's currently serving or a veteran, they'll walk in with them."
Joelle D'Arco added, "I've been a coach for 25 years. The amount of time and energy that our coaches, our gymnasts, and even their families put into this event is incredible. But the pride we all feel knowing that we are able to help our veterans and heroes makes it all worthwhile."
The D'Arco's also extend their thanks to Ashlee Berry, Shooting Starz coach and co-meet director, who Dave praised for, "the amount of hours inside and outside of the gym that she puts in is a large part of what makes this such a successful meet".
The Warrior Invitational also sees King's College ROTC students volunteer their time to help out where they can, such as presenting medals.
"We've been fortunate," D'Arco said. "They love it, and we run a great meet and they keep coming back."
And as long as 'they' keep coming back, Shooting Starz and the Warrior Invitational will be ready to give back to those who have given so much.