Shelby Le Duc

USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

GREEN BAY - The Olympics are over, but the games at area YMCAs are just getting started.

Simone Biles and the other members of the Final Five gymnastics team and other athletes such as swimmer Michael Phelps captivated the world with record-breaking performances in Rio de Janeiro. They also inspired a whole new generation of athletes back home as hundreds of local children of all ages have begun singing up for their new-found favorite sports.

Beth Kennerhead, center executive at the YMCA on Broadview Drive, said the Greater Green Bay YMCA has seen an enrollment surge in sports classes at all locations, especially in gymnastics and swimming.

"Some go up by 250 to 300 participants in just the first couple of sessions after the Olympics," Kennerhead said.

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This year will be no exception.

Robin Schmit, gymnastics director for Greater Green Bay YMCA, said gymnastics enrollment swelled to almost 700 participants after the 2012 games. It is a trend, she said, that requires planning and budgeting at least one year in advance.

This year, the YMCA needs to hire more than 30 new swim instructors to fully staff programs at its four locations. Gymnastics is doing the same, having hired 20 new coaches to lead classes — many of which have already reached capacity.

"Every four years we see a ton of newcomers and kids who are revisiting the sport," Schmit said. "They're kids who were hooked to the TV and now they want to be like Simone Biles."

Schmit said offering a bigger selection of classes is also a priority, to enable the YMCA to meet the needs of the increasing number of beginners as well as more experienced athletes.

A lot of times, Kennerhead said, the Olympics act a reminder to parents to get children started exercising at a young age.

"We love to see an uptick in numbers in our beginner swimming classes," she said. "Because when you think about what classes are, they really focus on water safety which is so important in life."

Beginner classes are available for children as young as 6 months old.

Other sports that see hikes in enrollment following televised, high-profile competitions are soccer, basketball, football and tennis.

As further proof that televised sports inspire kids to get up and get active, Kennerhead said the YMCA added parkour classes after shows like American Ninja Warrior created demand.

Overall, though, both Y experts said the reason the Y is so popular during this time is because classes are short, teach all necessary skills and are affordable. This allows young athletes to try out all different sports until they find the one for them. Classes range from $30 to $80 depending on the sport and type of program.

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