As a foundation sport, gymnastics is often the first activity a young participant will experience. Recognizing the integral role our sport plays in setting the stage for long-term participation in sport and activity, the CanGym program currently carries the untapped potential to become THE national flagship program for all Canadians as they begin their journey in sport and recreation.
In order to tap into this potential, the current CanGym program is being revitalized to address the needs, abilities, and interests of a dynamic range of participants – from the Active Start to the Active for Life stages of development. Building off the fundamental movement patterns of gymnastics, the CanGym revitalization project aims to provide a program for all ages and gymnastics disciplines but will focus on artistic, trampoline, and rhythmic gymnastics as the initial framework.
To this end, the CanGym Program philosophy has recently been updated to state:
“CanGym is a nationally recognized program that unites participants, coaches, clubs, and communities of all gymnastics disciplines. Utilizing an inclusive and developmentally appropriate approach, the CanGym program empowers participants to build a foundation of physical competence and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthy, active living.”
Gymnastics Canada is pleased to announce the individuals who will be leading the CanGym revitilization project:
- Marie-Pier Blais (Québec)
- Kayla Bonell (Alberta)
- Richard Woo (BC)
These technical contractors will work with additional experts and consultants from across the country to help build the content of the program with special consideration given for discipline-specific skill progression, curriculum design, child/stages of development, and special needs programming.
“The goal of this multi-year project is to build a developmental gymnastics program that represents the authentic needs of the gymnastics community across Canada,” said Meredith Warner, Program Manager for Sport Development at Gymnastics Canada. “The CanGym contractor team will be engaging clubs, coaches, and participants from all areas of the country to ensure the end product truly embodies the CanGym Program Philosophy.”
For more information on CanGym, please contact:
Meredith Warner
Program Manager, Sport Development
Gymnastics Canada
613.748.5637 X 228
mwarner@gymcan.org