“We are excited to be the host city for the 2016 Canadian Gymnastics Championships,” said Maggie Davison, vice-president of Edmonton Tourism. “Celebrating and hosting major events is an important part of the tourism business and we see a positive impact on the visitor economy when major events are in Edmonton.”
The championships will be hosted by the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation at the University of Alberta and will take place from May 31 to June 4 at the U of A’s Butterdome. This is the first time the Canadian Championships have been held in Edmonton since 1989.
“Welcoming young athletes from across Canada is a perfect fit for our faculty where our teaching and research are focused around discovering the world of human movement,” said Christine Legault, Associate Director of Campus and Community Recreation at the University of Alberta.
“The number of Olympic qualifiers we are hosting, as Team Canada prepares for the 2016 Olympic Games, demonstrates our community’s passion and commitment to be part of building sporting legacy across our country,” said Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson.
Edmonton’s Capital City Gymnastics Centre, which has spawned some of Canada’s best gymnasts, including 2008 Olympic team member Brandon O’Neill and reigning Canadian men’s all-around champion Jackson Payne, is the host club for the event. Six other local clubs will also participate in the planning and running of the event.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for many of the local clubs in the city and surrounding areas to collaborate on this prestigious event, and to showcase Canada’s best gymnasts in an Olympic year,” said Jack Payne, chair of the organizing committee.
“We would like to say a special thank you to the city of Edmonton, Edmonton Tourism, the University of Alberta, and the Capital City Gymnastics Centre for taking on the challenge to host this event,” said Peter Nicol, president and CEO of Gymnastics Canada. “We are looking forward to an outstanding week of competition!”
ABOUT GYMNASTICS CANADA
First established in 1969, Gymnastics Canada is the national governing body for the sport of gymnastics in Canada. Gymnastics Canada works closely with the twelve Provincial Federations and the 700 local clubs to provide a broad range of programs and services to meet the needs of all participants. From athlete development, to coaching and judging education, Gymnastics Canada sets the operating standards and practices for the sport in Canada. Our mandate is to promote and provide positive and diverse gymnastics experience through the delivery of quality and safe gymnastics programming. Visit www.gymcan.org for more information, or follow us @CDNgymnastics
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For more information, please contact:
Julie Forget
Director, Communications & Marketing
Gymnastics Canada
(819)210-2064
jforget@gymcan.org