Gymnastics Ontario Membership Suspension – Benjamin Cooper
Updated: Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Gymnastics Ontario is grateful that the survivors had an opportunity to share their stories and to see justice served. The entire sport sector must continue to modernize systems and practices to ensure that everyone feels safe, included, and welcomed. Gymnastics Ontario will continue to implement rigorous standards and training protocols and welcomes feedback from our community to support our shared vision for a holistic gymnastics experience for everyone.
Mr. Benjamin Cooper is banned for life from Gymnastics Ontario which includes all ‘Field of Play’ activities.
- Coaching of athletes
- Training of athletes
- Attending training camps, competitions, or any other competitive events
- Visiting any Gymnastics Ontario training facility and or satellite location
- As per our Reciprocity Agreement with Gymnastics Canada and the other Provincial / Territorial Sport Organizations, this ban is applicable with their Member Clubs
For more information on this matter: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/benjamin-cooper-ottawa-gymnastics-coach-1.7230423
Gymnastics Ontario has zero-tolerance regarding the maltreatment of any participant in our sport. We are committed to supporting and listening to every individual who comes forward with a complaint. Our Board of Directors are committed to providing a Safe Sport environment for all participants that is accessible, inclusive, and free from all forms of maltreatment.
Requests for further information should be sent to Dave Sandford, Gymnastics Ontario’s Chief Executive Officer.
Updated: Wednesday, February 15, 2023
The media release from Ottawa Police Service incorrectly states that Mr. Benjamin Cooper was employed by Gymnastics Ontario; he was not.
Mr. Cooper was employed at an Ottawa and Kingston region gymnastics club. We have sent a request to Ottawa Police Service to correct their statement to the public.
Posted: Wednesday, February 15, 2023
Gymnastics Ontario is aware of criminal charges filed today against Mr. Benjamin Cooper. Gymnastics Ontario commenced an investigation against Mr. Cooper on April 11, 2022, as per our Discipline and Complaint Policy in advance of criminal charges being filed, and after it received information concerning Mr. Cooper. As part of its Complaint, Gymnastics Ontario placed Mr. Cooper under immediate interim suspension from all its activities while the police departments conducted their own investigation.
A copy of the Ottawa Police Service Media Release can be viewed at the following link: https://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/news/gymnastics-ontario-coach-charged-with-sexual-assault-police-seeking-other-victims.aspx
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5944.
Gymnastics Ontario has a zero-tolerance with respect to the harm of any participant in our Federation. We are committed to supporting and listening to every individual who comes forward with a complaint. Our Board of Directors are committed to providing a Safe Sport environment for all participants that is accessible, inclusive, and free from all forms of maltreatment.
Requests for further information should be sent to Dave Sandford, Gymnastics Ontario’s Chief Executive Officer.