9th Annual 'Dream Meet' Put On By Aim High Academy

Hundreds of gymnasts from around the region are in Tulsa this weekend for the 9th Annual Dream Meet put on by Aim High Academy.

"This is the largest artistic gymnastics competition in the state of Oklahoma,” Aim High Academy Founding Executive Director, Jennifer Bjornberg said.

"It's a bit of a competition because these girls are good,” gymnast Royal Morrison said.

More than 800 gymnasts are at the Cox Business Center this weekend to perform on the balance beam, parallel bars, vault, and the floor.

Beyond the scores and competition, Bjornberg said they will also give out awards for girls who demonstrate qualities that resemble Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"Could be leadership, could be some adversity that they faced, that they pushed through and then we'll award that special gymnast with a special dream award,” Bjornberg said.

"It's a bit of a competition because these girls are good,” gymnast Royal Morrison said.

Morrison, a 12-year-old gymnast, has already overcome a big adversity and is looking forward to the floor competition on January 15.

"I actually had a back injury. So I had to sit out of the meets. So this year I'm coming back strong,” Morrison said. “This is my first year back."

Morrison has been doing gymnastics for most of her life and plans to keep chasing her dream far beyond this weekend's meet.

"I see myself competing in the Olympics,” she said. 

The meet, which draws gymnasts in from Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas, is also a fundraiser.

This year, Aim High Academy has a goal to raise $30,000 for scholarships, ensuring that girls from low income families can participate in the academy's programs.

"So that they can take gymnastics, dance or ninja classes at one of our two locations,” Bjornberg said.

"We feel the Dream Meet is a great way to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. You know, he just stood for all, wanted equal opportunity and it's fun just to see all kids coming to the dream meet, pursuing their dreams,” Bjornberg said.

January 14 and January 15 tickets are $15 at the door for adults, $10 for kids.

On January 16, Bjornberg said the tickets drop to $5.

After expenses for the meet, she said all the money will go toward scholarships.