Editor: Formed in 1976 when Davie Gulley – Principal of Banff Elementary School at the time – suggested to coach Bonnie Wiegele that she should start a gymnastics club, the Banff Gymnastics Club soon had 55 males and females enrolled.
Among these, were athletes Cary Mullen and Thomas Grandi - who would later become alpine skiing Olympians.
In 1996, the club found a new home, so that the program could expand – at the gymnasium of St. George’s-in-the Pines Anglican Church.
Over the past 20 plus years, the club has offered a number of competitive and recreational programs, welcoming thousands of children through its doors.
As a physical therapist for our national ski team and a former Banff competitive gymnast, I can say that gymnastics is one of the best sports out there, encompassing all seven components of fitness: strength, endurance, balance, flexibility, coordination, speed, and agility.
The sport is considered by many professional athletes as being one of the best for establishing a good athletic base.
Former Banff gymnast and now professional big mountain skier Tatum Monod said: “Gymnastics gave me the athletic fundamentals that helped me succeed in my professional ski career. My big break in professional skiing came from landing a double backflip, a skill I learnt through the body awareness and training that gymnastics taught me.”
Another former Banff Gymnast, Elise Sethna, went on to become a member of the Canadian national rock-climbing team and competed for eight years on the World Cup climbing circuit.
She said: “Starting gymnastics at a young age developed fundamental skills I am grateful to have carried over to my competitive climbing career. The club also opened my eyes to the supportive community of sport and team work that has shaped so much of my life.”
This leads me to where the club is at today. After 43 years, the Banff Gymnastics Club may have to close its doors. As a non-profit organization run by a parent volunteer board, the club requires new volunteers and a head coach.
On June 12, the club will hold its AGM at the Middle Springs Cabin in Banff. Food will be served from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and the AGM will begin at 6:45 p.m.
This will be the final opportunity to come together and save the Banff Gymnastics Club. If you would like to help, please contact me at
[email protected].
Fabienne Moser,
Banff
