NLIS 6
February 11, 2005
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)
 

The following is being distributed at the request of Sport Newfoundland and Labrador:

The 2005 National Gymnastics Week

Dedicated to bringing together the thousands of Canadians who participate in the sport of gymnastics, Gymnastics Canada has designated St. Valentine�s Day week as the "I Love Gymnastics" National Gymnastics Week.

From Victoria to St. John�s, gymnasts of all ages will spring, swing, roll, dance, tumble and balance at their local gym club, as Gymnastics Canada and the provincial/territorial federations present the fourth edition of National Gymnastics Week in communities across the country, from February 12-20, 2005.

A joint effort between Gymnastics Canada, its 12 provincial/territorial federations and 700 gymnastics clubs across Canada, National Gymnastics Week opens February 12. Once again, in an effort to encourage Canadians to try the sport of gymnastics during St. Valentine�s Day week, the theme for this year�s edition is "I Love Gymnastics". This unique event will be a true national celebration of our sport.

The 2004 Olympic Games produced two enduring images - of gymnasts Kyle Shewfelt and Karen Cockburn receiving their medals - which are sure to inspire a new generation of Canadian gymnasts. The Athens Olympics have proven that when we believe, we can indeed succeed. To ensure that their incredible efforts will lead to more memorable moments in the future, we must build upon the magic, the interest and the momentum our athletes have generated.

Kyle Shewfelt, 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist for floor-based artistic gymnastics, has praised the sport as a strong life influence. "Gymnastics is my passion. It has provided me with so many experiences and opportunities. Gymnastics has helped me develop into a positive and healthy person, and it had a tremendous impact on who I am today. I have gained numerous qualities through my participation in gymnastics, and they will last a lifetime."

There is no question that gymnastics is one of the most exciting sports in the world and a foundation for all sports. At Gymnastics Canada, we believe in creating a positive, caring environment that strives to help each individual member, club, province and territory to achieve its goal.

The National Gymnastics Week is a great opportunity to increase visibility and promote gymnastics at all levels of participation, regardless of age, from recreation to high performance. A wide variety of activities are being planned locally and provincially to promote gymnastics as a positive, healthy and life-long activity. Gymnastics Canada encourages clubs across the country to celebrate National Gymnastics Week in their own unique way.

Please contact your provincial federation for more information and to learn how gymnastics clubs in your community are planning to celebrate the 2005 "I Love Gymnastics" National Gymnastics Week:

• Alberta Gymnastics Federation, (403) 259-5500 � www.abgym.ab.ca
• Rhythmic Gymnastics Alberta, (780) 427-8152 - rga@rgalberta.com
• Gymnastics BC, (604) 737-3049 � www.gymnastics.bc.ca
• BC Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation, (604) 608-5350 - bcrsgf@rhythmicsbc.com
• Manitoba Gymnastics Association, (204) 925-5781 � www.gymnastics.mb.ca
• Manitoba Rhythmic Gymnastics Association, (204) 925-5739
• New Brunswick Gymnastics Association, (506) 384-6242 � www.gym.nb.ca
• New Brunswick Rhythmic Gymnastics Association, (506) 737-1140
• Gymnastics Newfoundland and Labrador, (709) 576-0146 � www.gymcan.org/provs/nf/gnl.html
• Northwest Territories Gymnastics Association, (867) 873-3032
• Gymnastics Nova Scotia, (902) 425-5450 - www.gymns.ca
• Nova Scotia Rhythmic Gymnastics, (902) 473-4994
• Gymnastics Ontario, (416) 426-7100 � www.ogf.com
• Gymnastics Prince Edward Island, (902) 368-2159
• F�d�ration de Gymnastique du Qu�bec, (514) 252-3043 � www.gymnastique.qc.ca
• Gymnastics Saskatchewan, (306) 780-9287 � www.gymsask.com
• Yukon Gymnastics Association, (867) 668-4794

2005 02 11                     3:00 p.m.