HI, I’M MONKA
KVIETKUTĖ – GREIMIENĖ

founder of Gymnastics School for Babies and Children, co-author of its development programme, children’s gymnastics coach and AirGym instructor. But above all, I am Smiltė, Jonas and Julius’ mum. I always say that it is not me raising my children but rather them raising me – as a mother, person, woman, boss and gymnastics expert.

Why a gymnastics school for babies and children?
Two reasons. First, ever since I was a teenager I knew I wanted to work with children. By the time I graduated from the Academy of Physical Education (now – the Lithuanian Sports University), I already had a clear vision of what I wanted to do with my life.

Secondly, I identified a gap in the market of children’s gymnastics, noting the demand for exercise but also for early development activities aimed at babies and children. This was an opportunity for me to combine my love of children and my professional experience. And that’s when I set up my own gymnastics school – a place where kids can exercise but also grow and flourish.

WHAT MAKES OUR SCHOOL
SPECAL?

At first, this was just a regular gymnastics school. And then one day we were visited by a dad proudly holding his daughter’s hand. The little girl had a hearing impairment, yet her father treated her exactly like he would any other child.

There were many times when I witnessed the awkward looks parents of special needs children received from others, I saw their eyes filled with worry, pain or even shame.

After talking to other mums, I discovered that sometimes they felt inadequate because their kids were not as healthy or “as cute” as others. They shared their most private pain with me, their sense of guilt, their fear of being judged for giving birth to an (im)perfect child. But all these mums ever wanted was for their little ones to grow into confident, successful, happy and … accepted human beings.

So the moment I met that wonderful dad, I made a decision: I want ALL parents and ALL children to feel welcome in my school, regardless of their appearance or abilities. Every child deserves to get all they need: confidence, friendships and a healthy, positive self-image.