By Carlotta Mohamed
Gateway Sports and Pools is hosting a free carnival for kids next week to celebrate the grand opening of its new week-long Learn to Swim Program.
The carnival is planned for Oct. 7, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Hillcrest Jewish Center — located at 183-02 Union Turnpike in Flushing.
“We’re excited to open our newest full-week location with Lessons from Sunday to Thursday,” said Craig Roopchand, founder and president of Gateway Company. “But we’re also really happy to give back to parents and kids with this great free family event. Gateway is a nonprofit organization, so having affordable lessons in all our sports and giving back to the community is especially important to us. We want everyone to come and enjoy the fun and the savings and to eat free snacks, have a good time and leave with some prizes in their pockets.”
The carnival will feature free games, prizes, magic, a bounce house and free snacks. Just like the carnivals of old, Gateway’s Grand Opening will have cotton candy, face painting, popcorn, and pretzels — all free of charge.
No purchase of swim lessons is required to attend the family event.
Parents who register new students on the day of the event will receive $60 off the tuition for a full Learn to Swim session, a 20 percent discount off the regular price.
Gateway Sports and Pools began over 15 years ago with one location in Queens. Since then, the company has grown into a multi-million dollar enterprise with locations in Brooklyn, Queens and Nassau counties.
“Just to show you how much Gateway’s growing, we’re opening another location in November at the International High School at Prospect Park in Brooklyn,” said Roopchand.
In addition to their Learn to Swim curriculum, Gateway Sports and Pools — with administrative offices located at 14-34 150 St., Suite No. 5 in Whitestone — offers lessons in soccer, basketball, tennis and volleyball at locations in Brooklyn and Queens.
Gateway’s swim team, “The Gatewayves” competes at meets throughout the New York metro area with kids from ages 7-17 winning medals at USA Swimming events.
Reach reporter Carlotta Mohamed by e-mail at cmoha
