Over 70 athletes from across Ontario participated in the Aerobic Gymnastics Training Camp & Assessment meet hosted by Perth Saltos’ Athletics on April 15-16, 2016.
Athletes represented Saltos Athletics in Perth, coached by Louise Miller; World Class Gymnastics in Hamilton, coached by Cristina Bontas-Tantaru, Kasey Whalen and Nicole Mignano; and this year, we were thrilled to have the addition of Brantford Gymnastics Academy athletes, coached by Amber Ferrell.
Our athletes were evaluated by four Brevet Judges; Dale Duncan – USA, Holly Abraham – CAN, Lynne Smiley – CAN and a new addition to Canada (via South Africa!) Leon Kabanza-Ntumba. Athletes received valuable feedback and participated in a Friday afternoon workshop with Dale Duncan bringing his artistic expertise! They were all so excited and came away with renewed energy and confidence. The format this year worked well and athletes were able to get some individual time with all our judges and coaches.
Our sport is small and still has limitations right now in Canada; but if we continue to work with experts such as Dale; as well as, having opportunity & exposure to competitions outside of the country, we will continue to see the progress in our athletes, we will continue to grow. As coaches, it’s so important to see our athletes benefit from and excel in these situations; as coaches, coming together renews our own enthusiasm and passion for the sport!
Next on the Ontario Aerobic Competitive program is the National Acrobatic Cup & Aerobics Invitational May 28-29, 2016 hosted by the Oakville Gymnastics Club. An awesome event held at the Glen Abbey Community Centre in Oakville. All of our athletes will be there to showcase their sport and prepare for International Championships – a great way to show off our disciplines!
Canada will be registering a delegation of at least 30 athletes this year to the International Aerobic Championships in Las Vegas, July 31 – August 4, 2016.
If you’re interested in seeing what this sport is all about – come check it out!