NOLA SPARKLE is an eight-week mentorship program that helps young gymnasts explore how they can SPARKLE not only as athletes, but as people.
We believe gymnastics develops fitness, character, integrity, discipline and self-motivation in all areas of life. We hope athletes grow up with loving memories of this sport and develop a sense of confidence in the face of challenges.
Consistent with USA Gymnastics Safe Sport Policy, SPARKLE is a program that helps “foster… a safe, positive and encouraging environment throughout the gymnastics community.” We all have the same goal to promote an environment in the gym where “athletes… can thrive, follow their dreams and enjoy a sense of accomplishment, whether it is learning a basic skill, competing or representing the United State on the international stage.” SPARKLE focuses on instilling a sense of self confidence and empowerment in young athletes so that their experience with gymnastics promotes positive growth and well being.
In weekly sessions incorporated within their gymnastic training, activities, discussions and storytelling are used to introduce young athletes to 7 core concepts which are important in gymnastics. The gymnasts will learn how these ideas also can empower their life outside of the gym.
Seven Core Concepts
One of the seven core concepts is explored at the beginning of class each week:
S for STRENGTH (week 1)
P for PRACTICE (week 2)
A for ATTITUDE (week 3)
R for RESPECT (week 4)
K for KINDNESS (week 5)
L for LEADERSHIP (week 6)
E for EMOTION (week 7)
The program culminates in a very sparkly recognition ceremony. (week 8)
Measurement of Program Effectiveness
The participants are asked to complete the Rosenberg Self Esteem scale (RSES) scale anonymously at week 1 and then again at week 8 to gauge if there is an increase in self esteem in order to help determine the effectiveness of participation in the SPARKLE program.
The Rosenberg Self Esteem scale (RSES) (Rosenberg, M. (1965). Society and the adolescent self-image. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press) is a widely used instrument to measure adolescent self esteem that has high ratings in both reliability and validity. It is a 10 item scale that measures individual self acceptance and self image using a 4 point Likert scale format ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree. The scale is on the following page should you choose to print and utilize it.
Scoring: Sum scores for all 10 items. Higher scores indicate higher self esteem.
Instructions:
Below is a list of statements dealing with your general feelings about yourself. Please indicate how strongly you agree or disagree with each statement.
1. On the whole, I am satisfied with myself.
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
2. At times I think I am no good at all.
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
3. I feel that I have a number of good qualities.
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
4. I am able to do things as well as most other people.
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
5. I feel I do not have much to be proud of.
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
6. I certainly feel useless at times.
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
7. I feel that I’m a person of worth, at least on an equal plane with others.
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
8. I wish I could have more respect for myself.
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
9. All in all, I am inclined to feel that I am a failure.
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
10. I take a positive attitude toward myself.
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
NOLA SPARKLE 