President’s Report on Brandon’s New Year’s Celebration Competition

 

On January 15th I attended The New Year’s Celebration Competition in Brandon. Barb Jones and her crew did a phenomenal job in setting up the facilities and overseeing the day’s events. The competition was attended by 6 provincial clubs: Beausejour Elites, Keystone Kips, Neepawa Novas, Springers, Swan Valley Cheetahs and the home team Brandon Eagles. In total 95 gymnasts displayed their talents.

There were 3 separate sessions, from Beginner to Advanced Optional, all well attended. The second floor viewing gallery with its bleacher seating arrangement allowed all spectators a perfect view of all four events.

In speaking with several Brandon Eagles parents they conveyed their excitement at having such a facility in Brandon, a great coaching staff and the ability to compete with other clubs. As one mother put it, “it provides a measuring stick as to where my daughter falls in the realm of gymnastics.”  Many parents were also looking forward to seeing their daughters move up in the ranks of gymnastics.

I fully enjoyed my day filled with gymnastics and I got to speak with several coaches, judges, parents and gymnasts. I personally want to thank Lorie Henderson, Head Coach for taking care of all the arrangements for my stay. 

Lawrence Oystryk

President of MGA

 

GymKyds Special Olympic Program highlighted on CTV

Congratulations GymKyds !

See link below

GymKyds Special Olympics Program

 

 

Sarah Flett wins Silver on Vault at

Massilia Cup in France.

Canadians excel at Elite Gym Massilia

 

MARSEILLE, France – Canadian gymnasts returned home from the Elite Gym Massilia event last weekend with several medals and many outstanding performances adding up to a job well done.

Canadian junior champion Victoria Moors of Cambridge, Ont. upset Russian star Viktoria Komova to earn the gold medal on floor exercise in her senior international debut in the Master Massilia event on Sunday.

"I've always looked up to her, but it's a completely different feeling to compete and also to beat her," 15-year-old Moors said of Komova, who is currently ranked no. 2 in the world. "I was nervous and I had no expectations."

Complete Release

President’s Report on Flippers Steinbach

Gymnastics Club

 

 

On October 20th I had the pleasure of visiting Flippers Gym Club in Steinbach. I was met by Rhonda Favreau, who introduced me to the other coaches working that evening and spoke about the club.

The Club came into existence 12 years ago as a non-profit organization to provide quality gymnastics for girls and boys. The Club provides a full range of recreational and competitive gymnastics for ages 2 to adult. They also include programs for home schooled students and special needs children. This is their 3rd year in the new building.

I was struck by the almost totally white interior. A quonset structure prefabricated with a semicircular roof curving downward to form the walls and attached to a concrete floor. Looking over the vastness of the interior I was told 6,000 square feet were available for training. The club has a 40-foot tumble track, a 15-foot tumble track, a 42-foot rod floor and has just acquired a brand new floor. The front area provides 3 to 4 rows of seating for spectators and a smartly designed low barrier fence to keep non gymnasts from entering the training area. I liked the high ceiling lighting as there were no dark areas and the white interior was not overpowering to the eye. The spring floor and the gymnastic equipment, along with all the mats, provided a color contrast to the brilliant white ceiling.

Programs taught at the Flippers are: Kinder Kidz program (parent and me, and 2-5 yrs.), Recreation ages 5 and up, Competitive regional stream (boys and girls), Provincial stream (boys and girls); Trampoline and Tumbling, Adult classes, Private and Special needs classes, and open gym. The Head Coach, Bonita Martens, who prefers to be called Beeta, talked about the number of gymnasts, their skill levels and abilities, the equipment used in training, and the coaches who work tirelessly to ensure a good program. I would be amiss not to mention Beeta’s commitment to gymnastics. She has worked very hard for over 14 years to accomplish her dream of coaching youth, so in turn they could focus on their future goals.

Flippers Coaching staff is made up of many people: Bonita Martens, Head Coach (14 yrs.) - Provincial and Regional boys, Kinder Kidz, Private and Special needs. Rhonda (8 yrs.) - Regional stream - Beginners and Intermediates, and Pre competitive.

Alix (10 yrs. coaching, 4 yrs. judging) - She started training when she was 5, competed until 2 years ago, now coaches the Provincial and Regional girls and is also a Provincial and Regional Judge. She is in charge of all the club’s routines. Alix has her level 2 and is looking forward to starting level 3.

Mikayla (2yrs.) - Regional stream beginners. She really enjoys coaching Recreation and Kinder Kidz. She started gymnastics at age 5 and is still competing.

Leanne (2 yrs. coaching, 3 yrs. judging) - She started gymnastics at age 7, and competed until last year. Leanne coaches Regional Stream Beginners, Pre-Competitive Boys and Recreation.

Des (4 yrs.) - She coaches Rec. and Kinder Kidz.

Kristy (3 yrs.) - She competed with Flippers and Premier gymnastics.

Vanessa (2 yrs.) – She coaches Recreation and Boys programs. Camille (first year) - She is the Club’s junior coach.

Tiana (first year) – She coaches pre-competitive gymnasts.

Shayna (first year) – She started when she was 5, and still competes. She coaches junior level.

Zach (3yrs. coaching and first year junior judge) – He started gymnastics at age 4, competed at the Provincial level, and presently is a junior level coach.

The Flippers Club now has an ideal facility, and a membership of  204 gymnasts. The Club boasts 12 coaches, teaching 7 different programs and serving the Steinbach region with an excellent sport program.

Thank you for inviting me to your gym.

Lawrence     Oystryk                                                                                                                                              President, MGA

       

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

Victoria Robson, a coach, judge and former gymnast from Panthers who has been selected to represent Canada at the Pan American Games in Guadalahara, Mexico in Pole Vaulting!

A wonderful accomplishment -way to go Victoria!

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

Gabrielle May, of Panthers, who will be attending the University of Illinois in Chicago on scholarship this coming year.

Patrick Oystryk Competing in France 2011

 

This past year I competed in three different divisions: University, Team and Individual competitions.

 

At the University level, the Université de Bordeaux team first competed in Clamart (a Paris suburb) and qualified itself for the national university championships with a 3rd place finish, myself finishing in 7th place AA.

 

At the national university championships in Besançon, our team scored a high 221.82 - good enough for 2nd place. However a 10 points penalty due to having brought a judge who wasn’t of the right qualifications dropped the team to a disappointing 4th place finish.

 

In the team division, I was competing for the Bègles Athletic Club and starting at the departmental championships in Villenave d’Ornon, we subsequently qualified for the regional championships in Bègles and finally the zone championships in Montpellier where our team heartbreakingly missed the sixth and final qualifying spot by 4 tenths of a point.

 

Finally, in the individual division, I selected to compete only on two events: floor and vault. Having won the gold medal on both events at the departmental and regional championships, I was qualified for the zone championships in La Teste where a silver medal on floor and gold medal on vault qualified me for the national championships in Saint-Étienne.

 

In Saint-Étienne, at the French national gymnastics championships, in the individual division, a score of 14.150 on vault was enough to claim the 4th place and on Floor, with a score of 13.50, the silver medal.

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 

WESTERN CANADA

SUMMER GAMES TEAM!

WOMEN'S TEAM: GOLD MEDAL

Alia Ross, Fantastic: GOLD MEDAL All Around; GOLD MEDAL FX ; 6TH UB;

Isabela Onyshko, Brandon Eagles: SILVER MEDAL All Around; SILVER MEDAL UB; Bronze Medal T Vault; 6TH BB; 4TH FX

Meghan Boulanger, Fantastic: 17TH AA; GOLD MEDAL BB; 6TH FX

Jaelyn Miscavish, Brandon Eagles: 8TH AA; BRONZE MEDAL T VAULT; 6TH UB; 8TH BB

Ryann Lewis, Brandon Eagles: 11AA; 8TH VAULT

Amy Schappert, Springers: 21ST AA

Coach: Lorie Henderson

Coach/Manager: Sandy Ross

Judges: Angela Djordjevitch, Helene Desmarais

MEN'S TEAM : 4TH

Jason Marks, Flairs: 10TH AA; SILVER MEDAL POMMEL HORSE; 4TH HB; 8TH VAULT

Taran Barrett, Flairs: 19TH AA

Tyler Franklin, Flairs: 15TH AA; 7TH FX; 6TH POMMEL HORSE; 4TH VAULT

Joshua Kehler, Flairs: 20TH AA

Paul Eros, Fantastic: 23RD AA

Coach: Murat Kanakayeu

Judge: Nick Lees

1991 GREY CUP LEGACY REGIONAL STREAM

PREP CAMP

JULY 22 - 25, 2011

SPRINGERS GYM

    

This year's camp was another huge success!

50 gymnasts and 17 coaches attended

representing all Regions of the Province.

Thank you to Lorie Henderson, Deb Taylor and Kendra Fredricksen for the outstanding work in the hosting and administration of the camp and

to all the camp staff and guest clinicians.

 

ALEXIA SHORE -FORMER MB GYMNAST IN AFGHANISTAN

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO TEAM MANITOBA

at the CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

May 22-29, 2011

Charlottetwon, P.E.I.

Medal Winners:

National Novice:Emma Leipsic - Panthers - Silver Medal AA; Gold - Vault; Uneven Bars and Beam - Silver;    FX - 7th Senior High Performance: Gabrielle May - Panthers- Bronze Medal - Vault

National Open: Jason Marks, Flairs - Silver Medal Pommel Horse

Women's National Open Team - 5th Springers:  Madeleine Arbuckle, Amy Schappert Natalie Gervais -16thAA Day 2,Sydney McEachern:12th AA Day 2;Panthers: Tristyn Sitarz: 4th UB Day 2, Melissa Clark

Junior High Performance:

Emily Blackner: Panthers: 20th AA Tegan Turner: Springers: 18th AA

National Novice: Alia Ross: Fantastic: 22nd AA Senior High Performance:Sarah Flett: Springers: Day 1: 7T AA; Day 2: 15th AA; Day 3: 4th Vault; 7th Beam; 6th FX  

Gabrielle May: Panthers: Day 1: 17th AA; Day 2: 16th AA; Day 3: Bronze Medal Vault

Men's National Youth:

Joshua Kehler: Flairs: 37th All Around

 

Men's National Open:

Tyler Franklin: Flairs: 38th All Around

Taran Barrett: Flairs: 41st All Around

Tumbling National 15+

Natasha Jenkyns: Springers: 15th

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO TEAM MANITOBA

at the TRAMPOLINE AND TUMBLING WESTERN CANADA CUP

May 13 -15, 2011 Port Coquitlam, BC

 

DMT Team: Silver Medal

Kelsey Berkowski , Kelsey Hak, Jade Yaholkoski, Sarah Chan

Tumbling Team: 4th place.

Kelsey Berkowski, Justine Friesen, Valerie Beynon

Amber Friesen

Justine Friesen: Level B tramp 13 and over: 6th place. Tumbling Level A: 4th place.

Kelsey Hak: DMT Level B 14 and over: Gold Medal

Tumbling Level D 5th place.

Astrid Cox: DMT Level B 14 and over: Silver Medal

Trampoline Level A 10th place.

Sarah Chan: DMT Level B 14 and over: Bronze Medal; Level A Trampoline 7th place.

Jade Yaholkoski: DMT Level B 14 and over: 10th place.

Valerie Beynon: Tumbling Level A: 5th place.

Aimee Ayre: DMT Level B 14 and over: 7th place.

Coaches: Justin Smith, Lyndsay Houston, Michelle Dewyn

Judges: Toni Montanti, Natasha Jenkyns

CONGRATULATIONS TO TEAM MANITOBA!

The Manitoba Team returned from the Western Canadian Gymnastics Championships in Grande Prairie, AB this past weekend with 26 medals.

The star performer was Emma Leipsic of Panthers Gymnastics in the National Novice category. Emma placed 1st All Around, 1st on Vault and 1st on Uneven Bars as well as capturing a 2nd place on Beam and 5th on Floor Exercise.  

Other medal winners were: National Open Men: Tyler Franklin from Flairs: 3rd All Around, 3rd Floor, 3rd Pommel Horse, 2nd Rings and 2nd on Vault; Taran Barrett of Flairs: 3rd on High Bar, 3rd on Rings and 3rd on Parallel Bars; Qayum Hassani of Fantastic Gymnastics: 2nd on Floor and 3rd on Vault.  

National Open Women:

The Team all from Springers Gymnastics placed 3rd. Natalie Gervais  placed 4th All Around  and won a 2nd on Uneven Bars and a 3rd on Floor; Sydney McEachern placed 2nd on Floor; Madeleine Arbuckle placed 3rd on Vault.  The 4th Team member was Amy Schappert. 

In Provincial 5 Novice Women Meghan Boulanger of Fantastic Gymnastics won a 3rd on Vault.

The Provincial 5 Tyro Team placed 3rd. The Team members were Bailee Rochon of Springers who placed 1st on Vault, Rocio Mohadeb and Madisson Lawrence of Fantastic Gymnastics and Ashlen Radics of Brandon Eagles.  

In Pre-Novice Elite, Sydney Alexander of Panthers Gymnastics placed 2nd on Beam and 3rd on Floor. In Pre-Novice Aspire Amy Hryshko of Panthers Gymnastics placed 3rd on Vault.

 TEAM MANITOBA COACHES

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR COACHES RECOGNIZED BY SPORT MANITOBA !!

Manitoba Lotteries Male Coach

of the Year

Robert Persechino

A 30 year veteran of the world of gymnastics coaching, Robert has coached athletes at the World Championships, 4 Canada Games, 2 Western Canada Summer Games, and 19 Canadian Championships. Thirty-eight of his athletes have entered into the Canadian National Stream. He currently is the head coach for Panthers Gymnastics and has a coaching philosophy based on pushing his athletes to be physically strong, mentally tough, and ready to face any challenge.

ROBERT PERSECHINO

PETER WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL HIGH PERFORMANCE AWARD WINNER

PAT MIDDLETON

YEARS OF SERVICE AWARD

HELENE DESMARAIS

INTERNATIONAL COACHING RECOGNITION

Pat Middleton and Robert Persechino

 

2011 EDMOND FINANCIAL MEN'S MANITOBA OPEN AND REGIONAL STREAM PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

On April 10th, Flairs Gymnastics hosted the Manitoba Open Men’s Gymnastics Championships. Eighteen boys competed at 4 levels: Provincial 3, Provincial 4, National Youth and National Open. Four competitors were from Fantastic Gymnastics. 

Flairs which trains at Winnipeg Gymnastics had a full house of spectators who enjoyed watching the competition from a large viewing room situated above the gymnasium.  The event ran smoothly and efficiently, keeping coaches, judges and volunteers busy throughout the day. After the morning meet, the Men’s Technical Committee decided who qualified for the Western Canadian Championships.  (The list of both men and women who qualified for this upcoming competition is posted on the MGA website.)

The afternoon session dedicated to the beginner level brought together 4 clubs: Morden, Selkirk, Steinbach and the host club Flairs.  It was an opportunity for parents and friends to appreciate the improvement made by each gymnast during the course of the year.  As always, all the competitors made a tremendous effort and enjoyed the opportunity to display their talent.

In closing, I would like to thank all the clubs, coaches, athletes and judges for a superb job. I personally would like to thank Glen Marks and his team of volunteers for hosting this event. A huge bouquet goes out to all the parents whose dedication to their clubs makes a great difference. Finally I wish to acknowledge the Flairs Gymnastics Club for inviting me to the Men’s Manitoba Open - thank you!

Lawrence Oystryk

President, MGA 

2011 EDMOND FINANCIAL REGIONAL STREAM PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

 

On April 1st, 2nd and 3rd Gimli Flyers hosted the successful “Edmond Financial Regional Stream Provincial Gymnastics Championships.” I was unable to attend Friday’s events but was informed the day went very well. The club hosted over 383 girls from 19 Manitoba clubs at 4 different Regional Levels.

Throughout the weekend a well-organized contingent of parents, gymnasts and volunteers transformed Gimli High School into a gymnastics haven. Spectators were able to enjoy the great talent which was on display from all corners of our province. The gymnasium was filled with parents, family and friends throughout the weekend. The events ran smoothly thanks to the tremendous effort put forth by all the competing clubs to produce a good meet. It was a great opportunity for parents and spectators to appreciate how the gymnasts progressed during the course of the year. 

Peggy Glassco, head coach of the Gimli Flyers stated, “I just want to thank everyone for all their help and support throughout this past weekend. It was really great to work with everyone. Everyone jumped in to help wherever needed - awards, marching in, changing of equipment - you name it, someone was willing to help. Your words of encouragement during the somewhat tougher times were much appreciated.”

In closing, on behalf of the MGA, I would like to thank all the clubs, coaches, athletes and judges for doing a superb job. Without your support, competitions like this would simply not be possible. In particular, I would like to thank Peggy Glassco and her team for hosting this event and I send out a huge bouquet and thank to all the parent volunteers whose dedication to the club was exemplary. Finally I wish to acknowledge the Gimli Flyers Gym Club for inviting me to be a part of their proceedings. I appreciated the hospitality and enjoyed my conversations with the parents. 

Lawrence Oystryk

President, MGA 

 

WILD ROSE INVITATIONAL

EDMONTON, AB

MARCH 25-27, 2011

Congratulations to Sarah Flett of Springers, who won Gold on Vault in the Senior International Competition.

Overall 16 medals were won by Manitobans. This was an excellent warm up event for the Western Canadians coming up April 29 - May 1 in Grande Prairie, AB as well as the Canadian Championships May 23-29, in Charlottetown, P.E.I.

Senior International	Sarah Flett	Springers	Gold Vault
Senior Challenge Cup	Natalie Gervais	Springers	Bronze FX
Novice	Emma Leipsic	Panthers	Gold Vault
Pre-Novice Aspire	Amy Hryshko	Panthers	Silver FX, Bronze Vault
	Keanna Ponce	Springers	Bronze Beam
Pre-Novice Elite	Sydney Alexander	Panthers	Bronze AA, Silver Beam
Provincial 5 Open	Amy Schappert	Springers	Gold Beam
Provincial 5 Novice	Signey Styles	Springers	Bronze UB
Provincial 4 Novice	Melissa Dyck	Springers	Bronze AA
Provincial 4 Open	Lauren Jackman	Panthers	Gold FX, Gold Vault
Provincial 3 Tyro	Carina Pewert-Schulze	Panthers	Silver UB
Provincial 3 Novice	Brooke Bouchard	Panthers	Gold UB
Provincial 1 Argo	Nicole Beaulieu	Fantastic	Silver UB

 

GYMNIX INVITATIONAL

MONTREAL

MARCH 10-13, 2011

Congratulations to Tristyn Sitarz, of Panthers who placed 3rd on Vault, 3rd on Floor and won Silver AA

Natalie Gervais of Springers, won Gold on Floor .

Both gymnasts competed in the National Open Group B category.

 

CANADA WINTER GAMES 2011

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA

CANDIDS

       

 

 

PATRICK OYSTRYK COMPETING IN FRANCE

 

 

 

Patrick is now finished university and will start working at an architecture firm which the university has assigned him to for the summer. It's part of his qualifying for a Masters degree. However in his spare time (which he has lots now) he competes at a local gym. This weekend they competed in what I think is like our "provincial" competition and the club team won gold. So next month they are off to Paris to compete at the Nationals. 

 

TEAM CANADA PRE -NOVICE

Congratulations to Alia Ross, of Fantastic Gymnastics who was named to Team Canada Pre-Novice. Alia scored over 68.0 at competitions in the past season and earned a place on the Team.

 Saskatchewan Qualifier for

Canada Winter Games

January 5 - 9, 2011

  

Last week I had the privilege to travel with 4 Flairs gymnasts to Regina. Our neighboring province, Saskatchewan held a second qualifier competition for the Canada Winter Games. This event was held at a new facility, Sky High Gymnastics Club. The club hosted its very first competition and were very pleased with their new premises.

 

Coach Murat Kanakayeu was encouraged with the Flairs Club results.  Flairs obtained some of its best scores of the year. They brought home one each of gold, silver and bronze medals. Murat Kanakayeu indicated that all 4 gymnasts were headed to Halifax in February. The 4 that qualified were: Josh Kehler, Taran Barrett, Tyler Franklin and Jason Marks.  

 

All travel and accommodations have been arranged and Team Manitoba is ready to attend the Halifax event.     

         

Lawrence Oystryk

President of MGA

 

President’s Report on

Flairs CWG Qualifier and

Winter Warm-up

 

 

On December 5th, 2010, Flairs Winter Warm–up was held at the Club’s new home, the Winnipeg Gymnastics Centre.

The main event was the National Open Team of 4 gymnasts who competed for their personal best score to qualify for the Canada Winter Games. The Winter Games will be held on Feb. 11-27th, 2011, in Halifax. Their head coach, Murat Kanakayeu, stated that considering the circumstances of the Club not having a home just some 5 months ago, he was satisfied with the results, however mentioned that more practice never hurt.   

Before the Canada Winter Games, as not to lose their cutting edge, all 4 gymnasts will compete on January 8th, 2011, in their neighbouring province, at a Regina meet.

Levels 1 to 3 gymnasts also showed off their skills to their parents, grandparents and friends (scores posted on MGA website). It was an opportunity for younger gymnasts and their coaches to experience the pressures of performance before they engage in the more advanced competitions that will take place in the 2011 season.

Lawrence Oystryk

President MGA

           

 

 

President’s Report on Western Canadian Championships

 

 

Westerns were held in Regina from April 29th to May 2nd. Board member Kendra Fredricksen attended as Team Manager. As Chef de Mission, I found Team Manitoba to be focused and well disciplined throughout the meet. All went very well and our Women’s National Open team won gold (Please check MGA site for all the results) as well as many individual awards. Considering our small contingent of men gymnasts and with the current training facility complications, they fared well in their categories. In all we brought back 17 medals: 6 Gold, 8 Silver and 3 Bronze.

 

Congratulations to all gymnasts, coaches and judges for their hard work and resounding success at Westerns. I wish to take this opportunity to personally thank Ms. Fredricksen as manager for Westerns. Her first time in such a role, she maintained a steady hand over some 40 plus gymnasts as they traveled between the hotel, competitions and back home again by bus. She took her job seriously and exceeded expectations, notably by organizing a dinner for all gymnasts and their coaches.

 

I wish to thank Kathy Stoesz for staying in touch with Team Manitoba while we were in Regina.          

 

Lawrence Oystryk

President, MGA  

 

 

ROBERT PERSECHINO, CHOSEN AS ONE OF THE THREE FINALISTS FOR THE PETER WILLIAMSON AWARD - HIGH PERFORMANCE COACHING

CONGRATULATIONS ROBERT !

 

President Attends Governance and Policies & Procedures

Meeting for GCG

In 2007, I was given the opportunity to work on a committee to assess the Operational Policy and Procedures Manual for Gymnastics Canada. In 2008 the committee met at Merrickville, Ontario to examine the process and define the terms that were to be used by members in revising this manual. Our role was to revise and modify a 3-part operations manual for the GCG that would bring it into 21st century. A draft was prepared and presented at the 2009 AGM for consideration by the membership.

 

Last week, on March 26th to March 28th, we met again in Gatineau, Quebec to review and discuss the recommendations resulting from the 2008 Consultation Session. Our discussions centered on the most recent modifications of the Bylaws and Policies & Procedures. The committee is now looking forward to presenting the whole package at the June 2010 AGM.

A lot of hard work from all committee members across the provinces and territories went into revising the GCG manual. In closing, I am proud to say that I was honoured to have worked with so many talented people across Canada and had the opportunity to contribute into this document.

Lawrence Oystryk

President, MGA           

 

Gabrielle May

Senior High Performance Gymnast

Panthers Gymnastics Club

Gabrielle competed at the WOGA International Invitational February 13-14, 2010 in Frisco, Texas. Gabrielle won a Silver Medal on Vault placing second to the World Champion Kayla Williams. In the photo below Gabrielle is seen with Valerie Liukin, a former Olympic Champion, and coach and father of Nastia Liukin.

 

 

President’s Report on Beausejour Elites Regional Gymnastics Competition

 

 

On March 13th and 14th, 2010 the Beausejour Elites Club Hosted a successful gymnastics competition. My sources tell me it was a very busy weekend for the gym club. The club hosted over 200 girls at 4 different Regional Levels of gymnastics from several Manitoba clubs.

The Beausejour Elites would like to thank the Selkirk Selects for loaning them some of their equipment to make this event possible.

 Friday evening saw a small-organized contingent of parents, gymnasts and volunteers transform Edward Schreyer School into a gymnastics haven for thisevent. Spectators were able to enjoy a great view from every seat in the gym.  The place was jam packed with family, friends and casual spectators checking out all of the talented gymnasts. The events ran smoothly with plenty of tumbling, twists, turns and grace to keep those watching pleasantly enticed. A tremendous effort was on display by all the competitive girls. There were hugs and cheers, and for some hugs and tears.

The Beausejour Elites Club would like to wish all the girls who will be attending the 2010 Edmund Financial Regional Stream Provincial Championships in Morden, Manitoba, the very best of luck.

In closing, thank you to all clubs, coaches, athletes and judges, without you competitions like this are simply not possible. A huge bouquet and thank you goes out to all the parent volunteers whose dedication to the club makes a world of difference. Finally I wish to acknowledge my thanks to the Beausejour Elites Club for allowing me to be a part of their proceedings. I enjoyed the hospitality and conversation with everyone involved.  

Lawrence Oystryk

President, MGA 

 

 

AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Walvis Bay, Namibia

February 27 - March 8, 2010

Kathy Stoesz attended the African Championships, invited by the F.I.G. to attend as a Neutral Judge.  South Africa, Nigeria, Algeria, Namibia and Egypt competed at the competition. The competition went very well. The site seeing was amazing. Kathy experienced holding a wild seal on her lap and driving a quad through the sand dunes. The desert meets the ocean in Walvis Bay. This was a wonderul opportunity.

Wild seal following the boat.

Sitting on Kathy's lap !

Quad riding!

President’s Report on 2010 Power Smart Manitoba Games

 

Sunday March 7th, 2010 was an exciting day as hundreds of gymnasts began to board buses throughout Manitoba and headed out to the Manitoba Power Smart Games in Portage la Prairie.

Gymnasts were separated by gender and placed into two different buildings at Portage Collegiate. Buses ran every 20 minutes to various sport venues, while others were directed to the Canad-Inn for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food was plentiful, nutritious and very good with a lot of variety. Buses began their routes at 5:00 a.m. and continued until 10:30 p.m. No one was ever left behind or not on time.  

Gymnastics was one of the first sports to begin the week of activities in phase 1 of the games. As in any first time event, there were some glitches that needed to be ironed out, but by midmorning Monday all was resolved and everyone was on schedule. At the coaches’ meeting, I was introduced to all the other Manitoba coaching staff by Karin Thiessen, Head Coach from Portage Southport. Karin Thiessen along with Lorie Henderson, Regional Stream Program Coordinator, did everything in their power to ensure the competitions ran smoothly. In fact the one-day training session and two days of competition went off without a hitch. Thank you, to Karin and Lorie, for all their hard work. 

The provincial medal haul was some 238 medals of which 92 were Gold. The bus ride home on Wednesday was very quiet as everyone caught up on much needed rest from the night before!         

 I also wish to thank Sport Manitoba, the city of Portage la Prairie, its gymnastics coaches and volunteers for a very successful competition. 

Lawrence Oystryk

President, MGA  

President’s Report on Keystone Kips Invitational

 

The Keystone Kips Invitational Competition was held on February 27th and 28th, 2010. This two-day meet provided other regional clubs an opportunity to compete within the province.

In speaking with head coach Jerry Seadon, he stated that this was Keystone Kips first ever-invitational competition totalling 235 gymnasts. The clubs in attendance were: Beausejour, Crescentwood, Brandon, Morden, Panthers, Selkirk, Silhouettes, Springers, St Andrews and the host club, Keystone Kips.  

The organization Committee was comprised of Jane Turkula, Jerry Seadon and was supported by the help of Karly Miller, Tara Turkula and Tracy Hildebrand. Assisting in different capacities were: Panthers, Springers and the Brandon Eagles clubs. Keystone Kips wishes to thank these clubs for their help and especially the Panther’s Club for loaning their spring floor. It was much appreciated by all competing gymnasts. 

Medals and ribbons were done up in Kips colours, Pink and Black and gymnasts absolutely loved them. In speaking with parents, volunteers and different clubs, they had nothing but praise for the organization. Jane and Jerry along with the coaching staff and volunteers did an incredible job of running this very successful meet. This was my second visit to the Keystone kips Club.

The club has been in existence since 1998, under the direction of Jane Turkula and Jerry Seadon. The Kips train in a regular-sized school gymnasium and also need to set-up and take down their equipment each time. Jerry and Jane are very proud of the athletes who call Kips their home. The club boasts a total of 9 coaches, which have mostly come through the ranks within the club. In closing I would like to thank Keystone Kips Gym Club, all the coaches, judges, gymnasts, volunteers and parent spectators for an incredible day. It was my pleasure to attend.     

Lawrence Oystryk

MGA President

 

President’s Report on Manitoba Power Smart Games Gold Pep Rally

 

I apologize for not being able to attend the Blue Team Pep Rally, which was held on Wednesday February 17th. However on Thursday February 18th, I attended the Gold Team Pep Rally, which was at Red River College.

It was an opportunity to hear several sports speakers, pick up an information package, watch the athlete chants, banner waving, and enjoy a meal put on by Red River College.

Mr. Jeff Hnatiuk, President and CEO of Sport Manitoba thanked the groups involved in the Power Smart Games and gave a short speech on commitment. He wished everyone all the best at the games and stated athletes and coaches had earned the right to represent their respective regions.  

Our guest speaker was former Volley Ball Olympian Michelle Sawatsky from Steinbach. She was the athletes’ motivational inspiration and did a wonderful job of expressing what needed to be done and overcome to be an Olympic contender.  

Next on the agenda was an informational meeting headed by Linda Clark, Chef de Mission. Linda reviewed all the policies, procedures and rules that needed to be followed and an informational package was given to the participants. There was a brief question and answer period. This was followed by a pep rally where the different sport areas did their chant and held their banners high to the cheers of everyone present. Prizes were given out for the best banner.  

At the conclusion, a flag bearer was chosen for the opening ceremonies and upon leaving athletes and coaches received a blue Manitoba Power Smart Sport jacket.     

        

 

ST.ANDREWS INVITATIONAL

February 13, 2010

President's Report

  

The St. Andrews Invitational Competition was held at St. Andrews School on February 13th, 2010. The one-day meet provided an opportunity for Regional girls’ gymnasts to compete with 10 clubs throughout the province.

In total 105 gymnasts competed for various awards. The clubs in attendance were: Beausejour Elites, Gimli Flyers, Gymkyds, Keystone Kips, Neepawa Novas, Silhouettes, Swan Valley Cheetahs, Turtle Mountain Twisters, Winnipeg Gymnastics Centre and the host club, St. Andrews Gymnastics.  

At the end of the competition the 3 best overall team scores were: 3rd place Gymkyds (5 competitors) 10.8654 – average score2nd place Silhouettes (10 competitors) 11.4090 – average score1st place Winnipeg Gymnastics Centre (11 competitors) 11.6251 – average score. Gymnasts’ individual scores have been posted on the MGA website under Results:   

This was my first visit to St. Andrews Gym Club at St. Andrews School. The club trains in a regular-sized school gymnasium and needs to set-up and take down their equipment each time. Their program consists of 103 recreational gymnasts (Kindergym ages 2-4 and Cangym 5 and up), 15 Regional Stream competitors, and 5 coaches. Linda McPherson and her coaching staff and volunteers have done an incredible job of running the club. In speaking with parent volunteers, they had nothing but praise for Linda and her coaching staff.  

In closing I would like to thank St. Andrews Gym Club, Linda McPherson, all the coaches, judges, gymnasts, volunteers and parent spectators for an enjoyable day. It was a pleasure to take photos, watch the competition and be part of the proceedings.     

Lawrence Oystryk

MGA President

 

SPRINGERS SUPER MEET

February 5-7, 2010

President's Report

On Sunday, February 7th 2010, I attended the Springers Gymnastics Super meet. This event was held over a period of three days and hosted T&T along with Regional and Provincial/National gymnasts.  This competition accommodated 22 T&T gymnasts, 172 Regional and 88 Provincial/National gymnasts competing for the highest scores in their respective levels.

The following clubs were in attendance: Aerials, Brandon Eagles, Keystone Kips, Panthers, Red Lake Mat Dogs, Springers, Steinbach Flippers and Winnettes.

 Along with individual awards, the top 5 all around scores from each club, regardless of the category were added together and the highest club score received a Team Award.  

The 3-day event ran very smoothly as all the gymnasts, judges, coaches and volunteers did a phenomenal job in making certain that this meet would not disappoint. Many man/woman hours went into the planning of this event.       

 On behalf of the MGA, I wish to thank Springers Gymnastics for hosting the Super Meet. Once again thank you to all the judges, coaches and dedicated volunteers for a job well done. Finally thank you to Kendra Fredrickson and Deb Taylor for their contribution.  

Lawrence Oystryk,

President, Manitoba Gymnastics  

2010 POWER SMART MANITOBA GAMES

WINNIPEG REGION QUALIFIER - GIRLS

President's Report

Last Saturday, December 19th 2009, I attended the Manitoba Winter Games Trials that was hosted at Springers Gymnastics. The competition had a total of 69 gymnasts competing from the Winnipeg region. Clubs that comprised the meet were: Aerials, Crescentwood, Fantastic, Keystone Kips, Panthers, Silhouettes, Springers and Winnettes. 

 

The morning session had 33 Regional Advanced girls trying out for 12 available spots. The second session held in the afternoon, had 36 Provincial 2 girls, also trying out for only 12 available spots.

The Winnipeg Region gets to send 2 teams to the MB Winter Games in Portage La Prairie from March 7-10.  The competition was well attended and once the awards sessions were completed, the 2 teams were announced:

Blue Team                                                                     Gold Team

Regional Advanced                                                      Regional Advanced

Nerisse Martinuk – Springers                                    Madison Conway – Winnettes

Marissa Friesen – Springers                                      Kayla Sterling – Fantastic

Nicole Balzer – Winnettes                                           Melissa Reinisch – Panthers

Kennedy Irvine – Panthers                                          Rebecca Howgate – Fantastic

Abbey Olinyk – Springers                                            Kristy Watling – Silhouettes

Dana Cartlidge – Panthers                                         Yelena Riazanski – Panthers

Provincial 2                                                                     Provincial 2

Brooke Bouchard – Panthers                                     Nicole Main – Aerials

Julia Tays – Panthers                                                  Sydney Kraut – Aerials

Ashley Jolicoeur – Springers                                      Lexi Laurence – Springers

Jasmine Yakabowich – Aerials                                  Nikki Sass – Aerials

Charlotte MacDougall – Springers                            Kate Menzies – Springers

Ashley Vinsky – Silhouettes                                        Alanna Gray – Springers

Both sessions went smoothly and it was obvious that the gymnasts and coaches put in a lot of hard work and preparation.  The clubs are hoping to have more Winnipeg Gymnasts going to the Games by fitting in with the new “Fill Policy” which enables gymnasts to compete for a different region that may need more gymnasts to complete their team roster. Coaches for the teams will be announced at a later date.

On behalf of the MGA, I wish to thank Springers Gymnastics for hosting the competition. The judges need to be assured that we appreciate their time and dedication to the sport and thank them for a job well done. Finally I wish to thank Kendra Fredrickson, Deb Taylor and Lorie Henderson, for their great organization.

Lawrence Oystryk,

President of Manitoba Gymnastics  

 

 

Flairs Winter Warm Up November 22, 2009

 

President’s Report on Flairs Winter Warmup

This was my third time attending the Flairs Winter Warm Up, which coincided with the 2010 Power Smart MB Games Winnipeg Regional Qualifier. The competition was held at Flairs Gymnastics at the Frank Kennedy Center.

During the course of the day I had the opportunity to chat with several coaches and gymnasts.  Everyone was optimistic about the coming gymnastics year and the Power Smart Manitoba Games. This year, our very own Kathy Stoesz, Executive Director of Manitoba Gymnastics was asked to hand out the awards. She let it be known that it was an honour to do so.  

The day’s events went smoothly and ended on time. The awards ceremony is always a big event especially for the parents of the young competitors. They wait patiently to see where their son or sons have placed within their categories.  

The 2009 Flairs coaching staff is made up of Murat Kanakaev (head coach), Nicholas Lees, and Patrick Oystryk. Whenever I get a chance to speak with head coach Kanakaev, he lets it be known that the club prides itself on its high standards of programming.  

This year’s attendees were from the following clubs:  

Flairs Gymnastics

Fantastic Gymnastics 

PineFalls

Selkirk Selects            

Steinbach Flippers      

In closing I would like to thank Flairs and everyone involved in making my day enjoyable.      

Lawrence Oystryk

President of the MGA   

 

 

Click below to look-up the "I love gym week" handbook: ilovegymweekhandbook.pdf

 

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