Marty Urand
Mar&Jaq Begins Gymnastics is the original story in a series of 'real-life' narratives about two sisters in their pre-elementary through middle school years, who love gymnastics very much. They are always tumbling around their house, even though it is frowned upon and discouraged by their parents. The girls’ names are Mar and Jaq, and they begin gymnastics instruction in kindergarten.Their dad is their physical education teacher at their elementary school. All the students at the school, including Mar&Jaq, call him Coach 'U'.Mar&Jaq’s schools, Ashford Elementary and West Memorial Elementary are known for their gymnastics tumbling teams. Almost the entire school population of each school participates in the half-time gymnastics’ events, collectively called the 'demonstration ' team.Tumbling is the only gymnastic skill that is taught at their elementary schools, and Mar&Jaq’s pinnacle performance are with the demonstration team during half-time of the Houston Rockets basketball game. However, their ultimate highlight occurs when the Russian gymnastics team, while on tour in the United States, comes to the NRG in Houston, Texas, and the girls have an opportunity to practice with the Russian gymnastics team.The sisters train hard each day, and their gymnastics adventures begin to soar! Mar&Jaq’s skills are not just limited to gymnastics, but their triumphs also focus on health, nutrition, building morals-individuals & teams, as well as improving their study skills in school.The stories, in each of the Mar&Jaq series, are designed to encourage the young and young at heart to involve oneself in the exciting sport of gymnastics. You are cordially invited to follow Mar&Jac and Coach U through their gymnastics careers, which consequently build a stronger foundation for academics, leadership, and self-confidence!
