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Olympic spirit in the Poconos

Newswatch 16's Emily Kress takes us to the International Gymnastics School where athletes and their coaches are ready to see their sport on the world stage.

MONROE COUNTY, Pa. — On the mats at the International Gymnastics School near Stroudsburg, gymnasts are perfecting their craft. Just like the pros on Team USA. 

"It is super exciting to be a part of the Olympic spirit here at camp," said program director Brad LeClair. 

From the bars, to the vault- ahead of the Olympic games in Paris, athletes already know what events are a must see.

"I'm looking forward to watch Simone Biles specifically on the floor because of how powerful her tumbling is and how like great she is," said 12 year-old Avery Peters from Bucks County. 

One of the athletes inspiring the next generation is Isabella Brett. She's a highly decorated gymnast from New Zealand. 

"We don't have anything like this back home to see the size of this place and the number of kids come through and their excitement and joy while they are here it's what you want for the sport," said gymnast Isabella Brett. 

Brett and her fellow teammates are an inspiration for the next generation of gymnasts.

"It's inspiring because I look up to a lot of them and hope to be like them some day," explained Peters. 

The International Gymnastics School this year sponsored several athletes and their coaches to make it to Paris.

Many of the coaches are former Olympians who know what it's like to be on the world stage.

"Competing in the Olympics is amazing. It's a great experience you meet a lot of people, enjoying the atmosphere of the Olympic village," said former Olympian Constantin Petrescu.

Staff at the school say when the games roll around every 4 years, it's a special moment to share their sport with the world. 

"Just regular people I would say who have never done gymnastics before to fall in love with our sport is absolutely spectacular, said International gymnastics school assistant director Tatyana Godenko. 

"To see us at that moment on the biggest stage everyone wants to be a part of it it's an amazing experience and it's when I as a child got to know what a dream is and how to achieve it," said LeClair. 

The International Gymnastics School also hosts camps and after school programs. 

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