Posted: Thursday, November 4, 2021
Effective immediately, Marcel Rene has been placed under interim suspension by Gymnastics Ontario. The interim suspension may be challenged by Mr. Rene before a Discipline Panel. Mr. Rene is not to have any contact with members of Gymnastics Ontario, in relation to Gymnastics Ontario matters, while the suspension is in effect.
This includes all ‘Field of Play’ activities involving Gymnastics Ontario or Champions Gymnastics Inc. including;
- Coaching of athletes;
- Training of athletes;
- Attending trials, training camps, competitions or any other competitive events
- In no case shall Marcel Rene be permitted to directly communicate with or contact Champions Gymnastics students, parents, staff, employees, contractors with regard to any ‘Field of Play’ or operational issues;
- Marcel Rene is not permitted to be onsite when classes are going on, or there is staff onsite.
If you have any questions, concerns, or are aware of any violations to the Field of Play activities please contact our Chief Executive Officer, Dave Sandford.
Posted: Thursday, November 4, 2021
On October 1, 2021, Marcel Rene agreed to a lifetime suspension from Gymnastics Ontario, as set out in the suspension notice posted on November 1, 2021.
The lifetime suspension arose following complaints received by Gymnastics Ontario. Out of respect for the complainants, Gymnastics Ontario is unable to provide particulars in respect of the matters that were raised in the complaints. Gymnastics Ontario can confirm that when the complaints were made known to it, they were investigated, and promptly dealt with. Gymnastics Ontario can further confirm that the individuals affected by the allegations made against Mr. Rene were involved in the complaints process, including its resolution.
Mr. Rene’s suspension is effective January 1, 2022 to permit him to divest himself of effective control of Champions Gymnastics. Gymnastics Ontario has not been apprised of any information that suggests there is any risk of harm to its members in permitting Mr. Rene a brief period of time to remove himself from Champions’ operations.
Gymnastics Ontario is committed to creating and maintaining a safe sport environment. Gymnastics Ontario invites its members and its stakeholders to report to it any behavior that fails to uphold these values. If Gymnastics Ontario is able to provide any further information about this matter in the future, it will do so.
Posted: Monday, November 1, 2021
Please be advised that Marcel Rene of Peterborough, Ontario has been suspended for life from membership with Gymnastics Ontario effective January 1, 2022 and in accordance with Gymnastics Ontario’s Discipline and Complaints Policy. Mr. Rene’s suspension covers all coaching and field of play activities, as well as in respect of operating Champions Gymnastics in Peterborough, other than through his son, Étienne.
Currently, Gymnastics Ontario has policies that are in place for the screening of employees, coaches, judges, support staff, and volunteers that travel and work with the athletes in our sport, however, we continue to review and update our policies and procedures to ensure that they meet our commitment to safe sport and minimize risks to our participants.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Chief Executive Officer, Dave Sandford.