Verna has dedicated 52 years to the sport of gymnastics where is began as a supportive “gym mom” when her daughter joined the sport in 1970 with the East York Gymnastics Club. By 1972 she became treasurer of the club and then soon after, President until 2023.
Verna jumped right into the sport and throughout the 52 years, held many roles:
- Metro east chairperson – 10+ years
- Judge – 10+ years
- Meet director – 15+ years
- Organizing committee chair for Gymnastics Ontario events hosted at East York Gymnastics – 15+ years
- Front office administrator – 40+ years
Verna has also been recognized by Gymnastics Ontario with a recognition award in 1986, the Jay Goold awards in 2009 and the Sport Alliance Syl Apps Volunteer Achievement Award in 2011.
Verna is always advocating for athletes at all levels, spending countless extra hours at the gym talking with clients and staff, cleaning, organizing and dreaming of the next step forward.
As the primary leader of the club, Verna was able to grow the club from its original 84 members to approximately 4,000 at its peak in 2011 marking East York Gymnastics as one of the largest clubs in Ontario.