How immigrant’s dream of opening gym for Latino children in L.A. became reality

By Erika L. Sánchez, NBCLatino

Bertha Antaramian, owner of Twister Gymnastics in Los Angeles, was a physical education teacher and gymnast in her native country of Mexico before she came to the United States. Twenty years ago, she traveled here with the intention of returning home, but she decided to stay to work at the YMCA.

“My main concern was the Hispanic people in this country. We don’t have many opportunities in sports,” says Antaramian. “I worked for the YMCA for 11 years and when it closed, all those kids were out in the streets.”

Antaramian, who was undocumented, was determined to create a gym for Latino children, despite the challenges she faced because of her legal status. She says she took her retirement money and started fundraising though talents shows, field trips, and even selling chocolate.

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