History of Gymnastics Association Of Texas Awards


IIn 1967, the American Athletic Equipment Company presented the first “Life Membership” during the inaugural meeting of GAT’s parent organization, GTAT (Gymnastics Teachers Association of Texas). The prestigious Life Membership Award has been presented annually since 1967 to an outstanding Texas leader in gymnastics. It is the highest honor that may be bestowed upon a Texas gymnastics professional by the Texas gymnastics community. Recipients over the years have included leaders from public schools, colleges and universities, private clubs, SOKOL organizations, and physical education programs.


The GAT Awards Committee annually elects one or more individuals to Honorary Life Membership based on nominations submitted by current Life Members. A continuing ballot is maintained by the Life Members in their advisory capacity. Any person may nominate a deserving Texan for Life Membership, and once nominated, that individual's name remains on the ballot until either elected or until they fail to receive a first-place vote for two consecutive years. Each year, the presentation of the Life Membership Award is a featured event at the State GAT Gathering held in the fall. Since 1975, the award has included a photo-engraved plaque along with a permanent membership card. A distinctive Life Member pin was introduced in 1982.


The Texas Gymnastics Heritage Award, first presented in 1993, recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to the development of gymnastics in Texas through excellence as a competitor, coach, judge, program director, or in another affiliated gymnastics role before leaving Texas to pursue an extended and distinguished career elsewhere. This award is the Association’s second-highest honor.

Awards

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