Oakville Gymnastics Club offered a free gymnastics session on September 20th in partnership with the Town of Oakville.  Families were welcomed into our Main Campus gym at the Glen Abbey Community Centre for a short run through our obstacle course, a couple of bounces on the trampoline, and a brief presentation by our acrobatic gymnastics team. 

Thank you to everyone who made this event a success.  Oakville Gymnastics Club was happy to share a bit of our “Gymnastics Culture” with the community. 

The post Culture Day 2025 appeared first on Oakville Gymnastics.

OGC is currently preparing for two international competitions and is hopeful to have many OGC acrobats on the Canada Team!

2017 Pan American Acrobatic Gymnastics Championships Games

In October, the 2^nd Pan Am Acro Championships are being held in Daytona Beach, Florida!

At the 1^st  Acro Pan American championships held in Puerto Rico in 2015, Canada’s Anastasia Sizov and Brenley Martin from Alberta won a silver medal for Women’s Pair (11-16).  Only five countries participated – Canada, USA, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Brazil.

Pan Am Championship selections are being held AT OGC on June 24th and 25th.  That’s just two weeks away!!  It is an unbelievable opportunity for 18 gymnasts (7 partnerships) to compete for spots on the National Team.

2018 World Acrobatic Championships

The 2018 World Acrobatic Championships is being held April 5-8, in Antwerp, Belgium.

World Championships in Acrobatic Gymnastics are held only in even-numbered years.  OGC was so excited that fourteen of its acro gymnasts were named to the Canadian team for the Acrobatic Gymnastics Age Group Competition in China, back in 2016!

This coming December, World Championship trials will be taking place in Calgary, Alberta.  OGC’s Acro Coaches are hopeful that they will have more partnerships to compete for spots on the World Team!

Catch the excitement and start gearing up to support our young Acro athletes as they prepare for Team Canada selections/trials and the opportunity to compete at international events this coming season!

The post Gearing up for another Competitive Acro Season! appeared first on Oakville Gymnastics.

Clubs attending from across United States and Canada included:

• Legacy Acro (USA)
• Emilia’s Acro and Gymnastics (USA)
• Aerial Tumbling and Acrobatic Gymnastics (USA)
• Paramount Acro Gymnastics (USA)
• Acrobatic Gymnastics of San Antonio (USA)
• Brown’s Aerobics Gymnastics (USA)
• Okanagan Gymnastics Club (British Columbia)
• Acrobatic Division (Québec)
• Quebec Performance (Québec)
• Les Gymnasts de L’ille (Québec)
• Acroshka (Quebec)
• Olympia Gymnastics (Ontario)
• Georgian Bay Phoenix Gymnastics and Acro (Ontario)
• East York Gymnastics (Ontario)
• Woodbridge Gymnastics (Ontario)
• Manjak’s Gymnastics (Ontario)
• Brantford Gymnastics (Ontario)
• Saltos Athletics (Ontario)
• World Class Gymnastics (Ontario)
• Oakville Gymnastics Club (Ontario)

This year’s event was a huge success and was largely in part due to the relentless efforts of the Meets’ Co-Directors Candice Pingol and Corinna Ceconi, Co-Facilitators Philippa Durbin and Suzie Owen, Volunteer Coordinators, Anna Attard and Karin Kacvinsky, the NACAI Planning Committee, as well as the countless number of Volunteers, our wonderful Hosts, Event Sponsors, Vendors and Judges..

Event Hosts:

• Oakville Gymnastics Club
• The Town of Oakville
• Gymnastics Ontario
• Gymnastics Canada

Event Sponsors:

• Holmes Athletics Canada
• Holiday Inn Oakville Centre
• IPC Securities
• Solotech
• Timax
• The Chopped Leaf
• Dave and Busters
• Royal Bank Canada
• Saucy’s world
• Entreprise
• The UPS Store – Corporate
• The UPS Store – Speers
• Instant Imprints
• Entripy
• Aerosports
• Pizza Pizza
• TripleFlip
• Monastery Bakery
• Binbrook RV
• The Dive Academy
• Longo’s
• PharmaSave
• Sobey’s
• Ann’s Flower Boutique
• Niblick Pub
• Symposium

Vendors:

• Holmes Athletics Canada
• Saucy’s World
• Familia Foods
• Hello Fresh
• Tali Towels
• She’s got Legs
• Too Late
• JB’s Things
• Glen Abbey Massage Therapy and Sports Injury Clinic

Be sure to visit our web and facebook pages for results, pictures and more!
http://www.nationalacrocup.ca/
https://www.facebook.com/NationalAcro/

There was never a dull moment at NACAI this past weekend with high energy performances by Aerobic Gymnasts and exhilarating routines by Acrobatic Gymnasts that captivated the audience with their extraordinary talent and physical abilities. There were the most FIG level Acrobatic judges ever assembled in Canada with 5 certified judges on the panel for the elite acro performances. The judges deserve a special thank you and recognition of their tireless efforts for the duration of the competition.

The judging of Aerobic Routines was based upon Execution, Artistry for Aero Dance (each scored out of 10) plus, in the individual aerobic categories, a value of difficulty was added.

Judging of Acro routines (JO level 5-7) were judged on Execution, Artistry, and Difficulty for a total score out of 40. The FIG Age Group levels performed Balance, Dynamic, and Combined routines and were judged on Execution, Artistry, and Difficulty for a total score out of 30.

Results to be officially posted on our website  and on Gymnastics Ontario website.

Each year, the coveted NACAI trophy is awarded to the highest level, highest scoring Acrobatics Pair/Group. This year, and for the third consecutive year, the winning team of the National Acrobatics Cup was the Women’s Group (13-19) from Oakville Gymnastics Club and was comprised of Charlotte Penner, Erin OSwald, and Alexandra D’Souza with an overall balance+dynamic score of 54.91 and a total high score of 83.02!
CONGRATULATIONS ON SUCH A REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT!!!

Submitted by Tracie Aaron

The post 2017 National Acro Cup and Aerobics Invitational appeared first on Oakville Gymnastics.

Over the last few months there has been a steady buildup of excitement for the 2017 NACAI (National Acrobatics Cup & Aerobics Invitational) competition this weekend.  I am sure that all of the organizers and volunteers feel like an elastic band stretched to its limit. Starting Friday, May 26^th, that elastic band will snap free and fly far and fast!

Organizers have been extremely busy for months and months; nit-picking every detail in order to make sure that the event runs smoothly and is a great success for the athletes and spectators alike.

Volunteers have been engaged in diligently promoting the event and helping organizers with various tasks including vendor and tradeshow coordination, enlisting event sponsors, etc. … not to mention the many, many volunteers who are lined up to help run this weekend’s event.  It is true that without them, an event like this would not be possible.  We rely on our extensive network of volunteers to supply food and drink for coaches, judges and athletes, help with admissions, registration, transportation and security, assistance with scoring, award presentations, emceeing the event, floor marshaling …. etc., etc., etc.

Coaches have prepared their athletes both physically and mentally for this event.  We often forget about the role coaches play in our children’s success.  They work long and hard so that our sons and daughters can excel in a sport they love.  Playing coach, psychologist, mentor, teacher, first aid responder, mediator, choreographer, etc. We may forget from time to time, but our children never forget, and they are appreciative of all that their coaches do for them. I am sure that, although the coaches are confident in their athletes’ abilities, they are nervous for them and will be cheering them on, hoping they are able to put forth personal best performances.

As for the athletes … each handles the lead up to competition in their own way.  Some will be calm and confident, others will be nervous and have stomachs all tied up in knots.  Most athletes will work with their coaches and lean on teammates, friends and family to help calm any nerves.  One thing is for sure, all the individuals and teams train long hours and do many routine and skill repetitions.  They are ready!

“. . . wait for the judge’s signal, take a deep breathe, be confident in your training regime and the skills you have learned, put a smile on your face and walk out on to the floor knowing your best is good enough  … and enjoy it!!!!!”

I’d like to think that all of the spectators can sit back, relax and enjoy the fabulous show that these gymnasts put on, but some of the spectators are nervous parents.  I have been on the receiving end of many a tight grip on my arm from parents who are “competing” just as hard as their children.  Make no mistake – being the parent of a talented high performance athlete is exhausting!  We do every move with our children – some of us without breathing until the end of their routines. It may be in our head, but we are as worn out when the competition is done as if we had been out on the floor ourselves.  We hope that after all of the hours they put in to training for an event, our talented children don’t get hurt, they perform their routines flawlessly and they are happy with their performances. No matter what the outcome we are incredibly proud of our talented children.  They inspire us with their dedication to their sport and with their work ethic.  It is wonderful to see your children do something they love.

There are some lucky spectators who are anticipating this weekend’s event only for the opportunity to sit back and see some remarkable routines.  They will be treated to high flying, dazzling, well-choreographed, and incredibly well executed performances from both Acrobatic and Aerobic gymnasts alike – two fairly new disciplines that are gaining popularity because of their artistic flair and high energy routines.   I intend to be one of these spectators.  My daughter and I are eager to see what aerobic gymnastics is all about, watch friends compete in the acrobatic events and see some beautiful routines from gymnasts across the country.

Best of luck to all those competing! Friends and family – don’t forget to breathe!  Enjoy the wonderful performances and don’t forget to thank the amazing volunteers and organizers who have worked incredibly hard to make sure the event runs so smoothly that your only concern will be getting to the arena on time and getting a great vantage point to watch the competition from.

The post Anticipating National Acro and Aerobics Invitational Cup this Weekend appeared first on Oakville Gymnastics.

Acrobatic Mixed Pair Theo and Mila in Las Vegas

Acrobatic gymnastics (Acro) is a highly competitive sport with great Canadian support for budding and experienced athletes.  At the top of the goal list is to qualify to represent our nation at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games during October 1-12, 2018 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  The exciting announcement was made in August of 2016 by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board, when Acro was added to the list of competitive sports for the first time.  A recent update has indicated that the discipline will be Mixed Pairs (age 15-18) instead of Women’s Groups as originally announced.

We had the opportunity to interview two of OGC’s young and bright stars, mixed pair Theo and Mila.  They’ve been having a great season, setting records and exceeding personal goals. Competitive athletics in any sport takes dedication and team work.  Let’s take a look through the eyes of Theo and Mila as they set their sights towards representing Canada in 2018.

Athlete’s Profile

Gold in Las Vegas

2017 Competition Highlights & Results to Date

1st Acro Qualifier – Gold

2nd Acro Qualifier – Gold

Provincial Championships – Gold

Las Vegas Acro Cup/USA National Team qualifier – Gold

There are many paths that lead athletes to gymnastics.  Why did you choose the sport?

Theo:  “I was first introduced to gymnastics through my younger brother.  While I didn’t make the team on the first tryout, I was later invited to join the men’s interclub group.  With a background in competitive dance and Taikwondo, I eventually had to make a decision between sports as the training hours increased.  While at my first out of province competition for Acro in Montreal, l went to see my first Cirque Du Soleil show, and after seeing it I decided someday I would like to have the opportunity to perform with Cirque.  I was really fortunate – the following summer I was selected to perform with Cirque Du Soleil in the Opening Ceremonies for the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto.  All this made the decision to choose Acro very easy!!”

Mila: “I used to be in recreational gymnastics and dance when I was little, and then both clubs asked my mom if I would join their competitive team. It was a tough decision since I really enjoyed both. One day my mom came across Acro and she was amazed by the sport. She thought I would probably enjoy it considering there was both Gymnastics and dance.  So I tried out for the Acro Competitive program and was accepted. I was very lucky that my mom found Acro for me because she was right, I really enjoy everything about Acro and I have had an amazing time so far!”

The benefits of being a competitive athlete must be worth all the hard work.  What do you love about your sport?

Mila: “I like that it is a team sport and I love the skills that we do in Acro. In our dynamic routine, we do a lot of flips and jumps, it’s like I’m flying in the air. And then there’s the balance routine where it’s all about strength and balance, presses and handstands. We work hard all year to get ready for competition season. I love going to competitions especially when we travel internationally. Going on trips is the best part! Acro has taken me to Italy and just recently to Las Vegas. My partner Theo and I did great and won our first International Gold medal.  It was amazing to hear the Canadian National Anthem play as we received our medals.”

Theo: “What I love about gymnastics is definitely the travelling. Travelling to other countries is a great excuse to travel and I get to see different countries.  I have been fortunate to travel to Belgium and China. China was my first time competing at The Worlds. Most recently I competed in Las Vegas with Mila. We were very excited to get Gold!  This was our club’s 1st FIG level gold medal at an international competition.  Missing school is great too.”

We all have special heroes or mentors that inspire us.  What athlete do you look up to and why?

Theo: “I would definitely look up to Lewis Walker. He is a Great Britain gymnast that is also in a mixed pair like me but he is in a lot higher of a level and has been doing Acro for much longer than me.”

Mila: “Marina Chernova – she’s from Russia and she is the best in the world. She won Gold at the World Championships. She is in a mixed pair just like me, except she’s at a senior level.  I hope to be as great as her one day.”

The road to success isn’t easy.  What has been your biggest challenge?  And how did you overcome it?

Mila: “Double backs are my biggest challenge. Now that I have learned different techniques at OGC, I feel more confident to overcome it. My coaches Scott and Greg are really great! They always encourage me and make me believe in myself!”

Theo: “I think that my biggest challenge was getting selected for the world championships last year. My previous partner and I both didn’t have much experience together, and by the time we went for the selections, we had only spent about 5 months together as partners. I was the youngest AG 11-16 base competitor and wasn’t very strong at the time, so skills were a challenge.”

Even budding athletes are role models for other competitive and non-completive lovers of gymnastics.  What tips do you have for young athletes who want to try the sport?

Theo: “A tip I would give to younger athletes would be to not give up and to not cheat yourself. You may think that the sport is hard and it is, but you need to be harder to be successful in it and cheating yourself in conditioning, diet or sleep isn’t going to help you in this sport. So never give up.”

Mila: “Keep trying even if you fall, because all you have to do is get up and try again.”

You are young and already accomplished athletes.  What is the biggest goal you are chasing right now?  

Mila: “My goal right now is to go to the 2017 Pan American games in Daytona Beach, Florida, and my next goal is to go to the 2018 World Championships in Belgium and win a medal!”

Theo: “My biggest goal that I am chasing right now is to make it into the pan am games October 2017 and medal in it.  My next goal is the Worlds competition in Belgium Feb 2018. I am also very excited to hear that Acrobatics gymnastics has been approved for the first time as a Youth Olympic sport and that Mixed Pairs may be the 1st category to compete. It would be very awesome to be able to compete in the Olympics one day!”

The love and support from family and coaches are critical to the success of young athletes.  What words of wisdom does their family and coaches have for Mila and Theo?

Mila’s parents/guardians: “Dream big and never give up, stay focused and keep moving towards your goals. We will always support Mila with her goals. She works hard every day, not only at the gym but also with her schoolwork and chores. There is not one day that goes by that I am not proud of my Mila!  Being in a competitive sport is not always about medals, it’s about the journey! There have been so many valuable life lessons.”

Theo’s parents/guardians: “Stay focused on your goals and work hard.  Theo is one of the hardest working, focused kids I know.  When he sets his mind to something he does it!  I am so proud of him!  This is not just in gymnastics, but in everything he does.  As a family we have made a lot of sacrifices and provide a lot of support and encouragement to ensure Theo is able to follow his passion, and it is worth every effort!  Theo loves gymnastics, and the gym, coaches, athletes and parents have become Family.  Literally, we refer to “Our Acro Family”.  When you train, travel and compete together, you naturally spend time together and support each other.  These are relationships and memories for life!”

Coaches: “If we break down how long Mila and Theo have been together, they have gave it their all and we can see that in their performances together.  We have worked hard to bring emotions out in them both, especially in Mila. She now performs and tries to touch the judges with her facial expression and body movements. If we stay focused and keep motivated, I can see great things from this pair.”

Special thank you to Theo, Mila, their parents and their coaches for contributing to this article!

The post A Golden Pair Getting Ready for the World: An Interview with OGC’s Up and Coming Acro Athletes appeared first on Oakville Gymnastics.

Of course, it is not just about the colour.  The fit, style, material, and comfort of the suit should all be considered when selecting the “perfect” leotard.  Coming from the dance world where a professional seamstress would measure the dancer to ensure a perfect fit, I was a little apprehensive when we transitioned over to the gymnastics world where I was advised that I would be responsible for the measurements of her competition bodysuit.

YIKES, so much pressure!

How to Accurately Measure for Leotard Orders from Saucy’s World and Jagwear

1. GIRTH: (the most important measurement for the size and comfort of the fit)
   Measured from the centre of the shoulder top, down the front, under the torso, up the back, to the original starting point on the shoulder top.

2. CHEST:  Measured around the widest point of the chest.

3. WAIST:  Measured around the narrowest point of the waist.

4. HIPS:  Measured around the widest point of the hips, below the waist.

5. BICEP:  (for long sleeve only)
   Measured at the largest point around the upper arm.

6. SLEEVE:  (for long sleeve only)
   Measured from the edge of the shoulder where the sleeve begins to where the sleeve would end at the wrist.

There are several local dancewear shops throughout Halton Region that offer an abundance of options for leotard selections.  Some of these shops include InStep Activewear, Stardust Dancewear and Costumes, and Dancewear Burlington, just to name a few.  My personal experience for shopping and purchasing gymnastics leotards has been exclusively online with Saucy’s World and Jagwear.  I have not been disappointed with either company. They both offer the highest quality materials for female leotards and singlets for males.  Be sure to consider the fabric type too when making your selection.  Some fabrics, such as lycra, spandex, or nylon may wash better than others and some of the shinier fabrics, although flashy and attractive, may not stretch as well as the athlete may need or prefer.

My anxiety quickly subsided once I visited a few of the manufacturers’ websites where they outlined clearly how to take proper measurements to ensure a perfect fit.

MEASURE TWICE, ORDER ONCE!

Sizing of gymnastics leotards and singlets is NOT the same as regular clothing sizing charts, so extra care should be given when measuring and ordering that all important bodysuit. The measurements needed include girth, chest, waist, hips, and for the long sleeve suit, the bicep and sleeve measurements are required as well.

Some of the more popular brands for leotards that I have recognized around the gym include Saucy’s World, Jagwear, Motionwear, and Mondor.  Of course, Holmes Athletics is my go-to site for all of our workout wear, such as shorts, tanks, t-shirts, track suits, and training equipment such as handstand pegs (a definite must-have for acro athletes).  These products from Holmes Athletics are of the highest quality materials and workmanship.  My daughter’s oversized and super-soft Holmes Athletics grey classic hoodie is her absolute favourite!

Most of the suits worn by the more advanced levels of acro gymnastics, Age Group and Jr/Sr Groups, are custom-ordered leotards from Blesk in Russia.  Parents of these athletes have the added responsibility of manually enhancing these suits with additional bling consisting of Swarovski crystals and other gem stones.  They spend countless hours researching the bling and adding it to the suits.  This also involves coordinating with each of the pairs/trio partners to ensure the bling placement matches on all of the suits.  These parents worry about the correct sizing and must ensure the order is correct and the delivery is on time.  Each of these advanced-level athletes require at least 2 suits (AG 11-16, Balance & Dynamic), and any level above that would require 3 suits (Balance, Dynamic & Combined), at a cost of up to $1,000 per suit.

Several measurements are required for these custom-ordered suits and detailed instructions along with an illustration, as seen below, are provided on the Blesk website .

How to measure – Blesk

Safety in acro/aero gymnastics is paramount.

Luckily, we have not needed any athletic tapes, braces or supports, but, should these items be necessary one day, they too may be purchased locally at any physio therapy office/sports injury clinic, drug store, grocery store or at some of the larger department stores like Walmart.

10 THINGS A GYMNAST’S GYM BAG SHOULD NEVER BE WITHOUT

1. water bottle
2. nutrition bar
3. athletic tape/support
4. extra leotard
5. hair ties/elastics
6. bobby pins
7. hair spray
8. socks
9. lip gloss/balm
10. a favourite good luck stuffie

Happy Shopping!
Article by Tracie Aaron
Illustration by Carly Aaron

Resources:
www.art-blesk.com/en/suit/

www.holmesathleticscanada.com

www.instepactivewear.com

www.jagwearleos.com

www.mondor.com

www.motionwear.com

www.saucysworld.com

www.stardustdancewearandcostumes.com

www.dancewearburlington.com

The post Oh, what to wear, what to wear? Shopping for Acro/Aero gear appeared first on Oakville Gymnastics.

Q: Where’s the nearest Tim Hortons?

You are in luck!  There’s a Tim Horton’s walking distance from the Glen Abbey
Community Centre – Green Arena.  There’s also a Symposium, Pizza Pizza, McD’s and a Baskin Robbins, to name a few spots close to the venue.

Q:  Where is there a place to walk around, eat an ice cream, and enjoy the views?

Head on down towards Lakeshore.

1. Bronte Harbour Pier (map & attractions). There’s a great little place for gelato called Cool Licks D-Lite
2. A historical walk through downtown Oakville (walker’s guide) or down Navy Street to the Old Oakville LightHouse. You can stop for ice cream at Marble Slab Creamery (map)!
3. Another option is for a walk around is Kerr Street Village

Q: Where is there to shop?

1. Downtown Oakville – there’s a Lululemon, Ivivva and Anthropologie to name a few stores
2. Oakville Place is at Trafalgar and the QEW

Q: What about food, nightlife and entertainment?

1. Oakville Entertainment Centrum (map) has loads of restaurants, including Caffe Demetre for decadent desserts, and a Cineplex Odeon
2. Downtown Oakville (blog TO) – you are spoiled for choice for fine dining.
   Best to make a reservation!

Q: What about parks?

1. Bronte Creek Provincial Park has a children’s farm, play barn, and hiking trails
2. Lions Valley Park (map)

• Kim Hughes Nash

The post Things to do in Oakville appeared first on Oakville Gymnastics.

As the parent of an Artistic Gymnast, I often find myself watching the incredible feats of Oakville Gymnastics Club’s Acrobatic gymnasts as they practice high flying skills and perform beautiful, intricate floor routines.   

When my daughter came to Oakville Gymnastics Club in 2013, we weren’t even aware that there was an Acro program.   Between then and now the Acro team has outgrown the facility and is making plans to move to another OGC facility to train!  Most of that growth has occurred in the last couple of years with the arrival of Acrobatic team coaches, Greg Boosey and Scott Middleton.

An unfortunate injury while working as an acrobat for Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba Florida show led Greg Boosey to the conclusion that it was time to stop performing.  Having previously coached acrobatic gymnastics with Scott Middleton in the United Kingdom, Greg’s desire to pass on his knowledge of acrobatic gymnastics was rekindled and the coaching duo ultimately ended up at Oakville Gymnastics Club.

Greg is incredibly pleased with how far the program has come in such a short time.  He is very proud of the hard work that his team puts into achieving their goals.  That team includes the coaches who work hard to help their athletes achieve those goals.

One of the highlights of Greg’s coaching experience at OGC occurred last year, when all 5 training partnerships made it to the World Championships in Putian, China.  He said that it was a “fantastic trip” and that they all made great memories that he will cherish forever.

Greg’s hope is that he can help his current team, a much bigger team, achieve success at the 2017 Pan American Games in Florida and then again at the 2018 World Championships in Belgium

Greg told me, “Our Gymnasts are working very hard in the gym every day. They amaze me with how they keep so positive.  It is very tough to remain on a high throughout the entire year.”

According to his athletes, Greg (and Scott’s) belief in them is what keeps them motivated.  Having coaches that are just as excited to see them pick up new skills as they are to be doing them, gives the athletes a great sense of pride and the confidence to push themselves to be their best.

“Fabulous. Amazing. Encouraging. Perfectionists. Determined. Motivating.”  All these words are ones that OGC’s Acro team came up with to describe Greg and Scott.  It is clear that they all love and respect their coaches.

The affection for Greg and Scott is shared by the athletes’ parents as well. Karin Kacvinsky tells me how her daughter, after an extended absence, desperately wanted to get back to the gym.  She credits the support her daughter received from Greg and Scott as one of the reasons Kiara was able to get back to doing what she loves.

Coaching acrobatic gymnastics requires a lot of different skills.  One of those skills involves knowing the personalities of your gymnasts and being able to match them with the right partner or partners.  Greg and Scott have a knack for doing this.  They are also able to adapt training methods to suit the different personalities and needs of the athletes in each partnership and group. Success at competitions of all levels shows that the coaching duo knows how to keep their team calm and focused.

Greg and Scott are described as being perfectionists.  They are strict but also encouraging. They have taught their athletes respect and have built a tight-knit team made up of close friends who support each other and cheer each other on.

When Kiara Kacvinsky was asked to share something about Greg and Scott she said, “They always believe in me when I don’t believe in myself. Whenever I am down or having a hard time, they always help me back up. Being with the team, Scott and Greg always makes me happy”.  Kiara’s mom, Karin, added … “they believe … and she is one happy girl in that gym.”

….  So what makes a great coach?  We really have no need to look any farther than to Greg Boosey and Scott Middleton as examples of great coaches.  Supportive, encouraging, strict and professional with respect for their young athletes, a strong belief in what they can achieve and an intense desire to help their athletes achieve their goals.  It is the perfect recipe for success and OGC’s membership is excited to watch Greg and Scott push their team to the top of the podium!

Article by Kim Hughes Nash

The post Coaching Spotlight: Oakville Gymnastics Club’s “Dynamic Duo” appeared first on Oakville Gymnastics.

From May 26^th to May 28^th 2017, Oakville Gymnastics Club and Gymnastics Ontario will host the 2017 National Acrobatics Cup and Aerobics Invitational competitions. During those three days, athletes from both disciplines will captivate spectators, as they perform complex and mesmerizing routines at all levels of competition. This annual event showcases acro and aero gymnasts ranging from the beginner levels to the more senior levels, and everything in between. Each level is designed to challenge athletes to strive for excellence in their division while also working toward the more difficult skills that are necessary in order to move up when ready. One thing these strong competitors all have in common, from the newest ‘ones to watch’ to the most accomplished and experienced among them, is they all want that gold!

Aerobic Gymnastics Categories and Levels

Aerobic gymnastics combines aerobic movement and dance choreography with fitness and gymnastics elements. The high impact routines focus on core strength and flexibility and are energetic, powerful and compelling to watch. The categories are wide-ranging and varied for both men and women in the aero competitive program.

Aero Gymnastics

Athletes can compete in the following categories:

• Individual men
• Individual women
• Mixed pairs (one man, one woman)
• Trios (any combination of men/women)
• Groups of 5 (any combination of men/women)
• Groups of 8 for aerobic dance (any combination of men/women)
• Groups of 8 for aerobic step (any combination of men/women)

These categories are then divided by age into 4 divisions:

• 9-11 year olds (national development/junior showcase)
• 12-14 year olds (world age group 1)
• 15-17 year olds (world age group 2)
• 18+ (seniors).

Acrobatic Gymnastics Categories and Levels

Acrobatic gymnastics combines elements of acrobatics, (such as difficult balance poses, flips, twists and landings), with choreographed dance and tumbling moves. The heart-stopping routines demonstrate the courage, flexibility, strength, power and poise of the athletes.

The competitive categories in acro are:

• Pairs (2 women, 2 men, or mixed)
• Groups (3 women, or 4 men)

Acro has competitive developmental levels (5, 6 and 7) that are each split by age for 8-15 year olds, and 16 and over. Gymnastics Ontario has also adopted a new level called “youth” that is between level 7 and the first elite age group. Beyond these developmental levels are the 4 elite divisions, which are split by age according to the International Federation of Gymnastics rules and regulations. However, competitions held in Ontario do not strictly enforce these age splits because acro gymnastics is still relatively new here, and the continued growth of this sport is a of utmost importance. The splits must be adhered to for all international competitions.

Acro WP

The International Federation of Gymnastics age group splits are:

• 11-16 (age group 1)
• 12-18 (age group 2)
• 13-19 (junior) and
• 15+ (senior)

The levels they (all!) go to!

All these levels and categories and divisions successfully organize athletes into neat and tidy compartments that are fair and logical for competitions and judging. However, despite these distinctions between them, they also have much that unites them. Whether in acro or aero, boy or girl, individual, pair, or group, beginner or advanced, these gymnasts all share some very fundamental traits. They all work extremely hard to be the best at what they do, they are all passionate and determined, driven and focused, and they all show discipline and courage way beyond their years. Come see them in action at the National Acro Cup/Aero Invitational during the weekend of May 26^th – 28^th at Glen Abbey Recreation Centre in Oakville!

post written by Carol Summers

The post The sky’s the limit: the competitive levels of acro and aero gymnastics appeared first on Oakville Gymnastics.

Not me!! 

“I’m all ‘bout that” Base!

I’m dedicating this blog to the formerly un-”sung” heros!  Kudos to singer Meghan Trainor and her catchy lyrics for encouraging us to look a little lower!

Andrew Brown-LaPalme (age 11) is the base in a Level 7 Men’s Pair with Adrian Riccio (age 7).  They won a gold Medal at the Second Ontario Cup in Woodbridge, ON on March 19th!!   However, Andrew was quick to point out that theirs was a category of one.  “You can think of it as either we came in first or we came in last!”  LOL

men’s pair with 11 year old male acro base

All joking aside, Andrew understands the inherent responsibility of being a base, “What’s most important is to keep your balance as long as you can – more than you are supposed to!”

I asked him why he liked being the base.  Andrew’s answer was very matter-of-fact and speaks to his self-confidence and physical strength.  Not everybody can hold someone on top of their head!  Which he then followed up by saying:  And… 
it’s fun to throw people around!

Someone Andrew can look up (or down) to is 17 year old, Alexandra d’Souza.  She is the base for the Senior Acro Women’s Trio who competed in China at Worlds last year. Alex started Acro at age 10 with the dream of being one of the “big girls” training and competing at a high level.  Like Andrew, she knew at a young age that she wanted to be the base.  There’s just something about being a base that amazes Alex.  She reflected on how much strength, focus, and responsibility is required.  “In a balance, it all depends on you, the base, to keep still and strong so that no one falls.   

Alexandra d’Souza, Acro Trio Base

It doesn’t seem to matter if you are 11 or 17, Alex could not agree more with Andrew,  “I think I’d go crazy if I couldn’t throw someone around everyday!”  

Be sure to check out “that Base” at Nationals! Their strength, balance, and skill will captivate you too!  

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