Walking into the former school gymnasium in Radium offers a surprise to those that aren’t aware that a full gymnastics club operates out of the building. The room is full of equipment ready for gymnastics action, including mats, beams, bars, springboards and a tumbling trampoline.

Under the guidance of head coach Bridget McDermott, Columbia Valley Gymnastics is offering a full line-up of classes serving the valley’s young aspiring gymnasts starting in January 2012. These include parent-tot classes for little ones and a full recreational gymnastics program for school-aged children.

“There’s something for everyone. The gymnastics program is a great way for young kids to burn some energy and have some indoor fun during the winter. It is also a challenging and interesting sport for older kids to try – it can be a real confidence-builder” says McDermott.

Having such an excellent gymnastics program and facilities in the Columbia Valley wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of funders. In 2011, funders of Columbia Valley Gymnastics included the Columbia Basin Trust’s Community Initiatives Program, the Columbia Valley Community Foundation and the Province of British Columbia. “We’re fortunate to have so much support from our community and funding agencies. On behalf of our members, our gymnasts and our Board I’d like to say thank-you to our funders,” says Erin Chandler, Chair of Columbia Valley Gymnastics Association.

Columbia Valley Gymnastics is currently taking registrations for their January 2012 program. For more information about the program schedule and registration, contact Columbia Valley Gymnastics at columbiavalleygymnastics@yahoo.ca.