“As challenging as the current environment remains as we come out of the COVID pandemic, GymCan is listening to the community’s strong wishes to push forward with an in person Championship – it was unfathomable to consider the idea of virtual championships for three years in a row”, said Ian Moss, CEO for GymCan; “and while we understand the challenges that remain for clubs to take on such a task, we hope that the community will rally behind us in helping to host this competition for the benefit of all the athletes, coaches and officials who have waited so patiently for the opportunity for in-person competition to return”.
GymCan will be the lead organization to host the championships and will work closely with Gymnastics BC (GymBC) and volunteers from local clubs in the lower mainland. “We certainly appreciate the support that GymBC is providing in terms of promoting the opportunity to all clubs, and we thank all the clubs and individuals who have already shown interest to assist,” said Moss.
GymBC CEO, Nigel Loring added “It is abundantly clear that supporting our high-performance athletes and coaches has never been more imperative for their continued development.” Loring also noted, “It is my hope that when and where possible, folks in our community will join forces to make the first major in-person, National gymnastics competition in 2 years a resounding success.”
The Richmond Oval is a premier multi-sport hosting facility that can provide the space required to host the full Artistic Championships schedule over a five-day period. “After 2 years of disruption and delays, the return to ‘in person’ competition is a huge step forward for the high-performance programs” said Ed van Hoof, MAG National Team Head Coach; “the National Championships, with a demanding schedule, will be the stage for the athletes to demonstrate their readiness in challenging for selection to international events, including Pan Am Championships and Commonwealth Games. Everyone is looking forwards to competing and making these Championships a great success”.
Given the scheduling challenges for all sports trying to return to in person competition, these Championships will be held from a Thursday through to a Tuesday as these were the only dates available in which GymCan could secure the space at the Oval required to host the full Championship schedule.
Further technical and operational information will follow through the Championship Directives and other mediums in the very near future.
ABOUT GYMNASTICS CANADA
First established in 1969, Gymnastics Canada has been supporting the mastery of movement in Canada for five decades as the national governing body for the sport of gymnastics in Canada. We work closely with the twelve provincial federations and 700 local clubs to provide a broad range of programs and services to meet the needs of all participants. From athlete development to coach and judge 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 experiences through the delivery of quality and safe gymnastics programming. Visit www.gymcan.org for more information or follow us @gymcan1. From here, we soar.
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For more information, contact:
Taylor Matthews
Communications
Gymnastics Canada
comms@gymcan.org