In today’s world, a local, family owned business that’s 45 years old and going strong makes a big statement! Yes, for 45 years, Salem Gymnastics & Swim has been teaching the sport of gymnastics, most recently adding lifesaving swim lessons and a brand new Ninja program.
In 1980, Frank and Barbara Minter, having two daughters that were gymnasts, decided to open Salem Gymnastics. It started in the poultry building on the fairgrounds in Winston-Salem. Six months later, the business relocated to a larger facility on Margaret Street. As the company grew, Frank and Barbara included other family members in the ownership and operations. Their oldest daughter, Beth Morphis, a collegiate gymnast, started coaching. She learned the ins and outs of the business and became co-owner with her father. Beth’s late husband, Kenny, was also the competitive team head coach for many years.
In 2001, Salem Gymnastics moved to its current location on Country Club Road. While temporarily adding other programs such as karate and dance, it was gymnastics that started the business and what Salem did best. In 2016, everything changed! After a non-fatal drowning involving Beth and Kenny’s daughter, adding a swim school teaching lifesaving swim lessons became a reality. Salem Gymnastics became Salem Gymnastics & Swim!
Everything that Salem does is centered around their mission “to Grow Confident children that Love to Move.” The core values at Salem are Quality, Safety, Inclusion, Relationships & Smiles. Salem’s goal is to be around for another 100 years.
In 2020, the pandemic forced businesses to pivot in ways they never had. When schools didn’t return to in-person learning, Salem launched Active Academy. Elementary aged children were able to be in person, complete their online learning and participate in valuable physical exercise. Almost 15 kindergarteners started their elementary education at Salem Gymnastics & Swim!
During COVID, Salem retained their employees due to the generosity of the owners and financial support of customers in a time of uncertainty for everyone. As restrictions lifted, Salem slowly came back to life greeting kids with loving smiles (albeit from behind a mask) and high fives!
Since 2020, the company has experienced lots of changes. In 2022, Kenny Morphis – former co-owner and team head coach passed away. The following year, Frank Minter gave the torch of business ownership to his daughters. Susan Loper joined Beth in ownership, and the dynamic duo is set to ensure that Salem Gymnastics & Swim continues to be a premier sports activity option for children. Along with changes in ownership, a lot more has happened at Salem in the last five years:
- Enrollments have increased from 1,500 to 2,500.
- Total staff numbers have grown from less than 50 employees to 100+.
- A building expansion project will be completed between May and June of 2025.
- Camps now include formal gymnastics, swim and ninja classes.
- The addition of a brand NEW Ninja program for boys and girls.
Salem is thrilled to soon complete the current building expansion. This additional 7,400 square feet will provide more dedicated space for recreational gymnastics classes, the AAU girls team and the USAG Boys and Girls teams. It will also give dedicated space to the brand new Ninja Program. Our new ninja program allows children the ability to jump, flip, twist and climb without the formality of gymnastics. Ninja is a great strength and agility building alternative for boys and girls.
Mark Your Calendars: On August 17th, Salem will host a Salem Sampler event, open to the public where, at no cost, people can try a sample swim lesson, gymnastics class or ninja class. Sign-ups to try a class will be required before the event. There will be tours of the facility and staff available to answer questions. If families register for classes that day, they will be entered to win one free month of tuition.
Salem Gymnastics & Swim truly is the best part of a child’s week, and they look forward to another 100 years of serving children! If you are looking for a new activity for your child to try, we encourage you to check out Salem Gymnastics & Swim. Call 336.765.4668 or visit them online at salemgym.com to learn more!
