Olympic gold medalist Dominique Dawes is bringing gymnastics, tumbling and ninja training to New Jersey with the opening of a new academy in Mount Laurel.

The three-time Olympian recently celebrated the grand opening of the ninth location of the Dominique Dawes Academy. The facility offers programs for children ages 18 months through 14 years old.

Parents and young athletes turned out for the opening, where Dawes shared her vision of creating a supportive environment where children can learn, grow and build confidence.

Dawes said the academy is designed to provide a more compassionate and empathetic experience than the one she experienced as a young gymnast.

"It's more of a compassionate and empathetic environment, which is quite different from what I experienced in my childhood," Dawes said. "I'm a mother of four kids, and this is what I want for my young son as well as my three daughters."

Classes begin today and will be offered seven days a week.