OLDS — More than 400 athletes from 20 clubs around Alberta competed in the Hay City Classic gym meet this past weekend, hosted by the Imagine Gymnastics Club, which has athletes from Olds and Carstairs.
Imagine Gymnastics competition director Brooke Epp says the meet, held at Community Learning Campus gym was a great success, and an excellent learning experience for the kids in their club.
“We had clubs from Athabasca, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and everywhere in between,” she wrote in an email.
Epp said more than 50 Imagine Gymnastics Club athletes competed in the event.
“For many it was their first competition ever. Many athletes received medals and ribbons among a variety of levels. We had athletes as young as five and as old as 18 competing.
“Overall, it was an amazing showing by all Imagine Gymnastics (athletes).”
The Imagine gym club hosted its club showcase on Saturday evening. That too was a success.
“We were blown away with the turnout,” Epp wrote, adding that more than 1,000 spectators came out to see routines performed by the club’s recreational and competitive athletes.
A lot of work was involved in organizing and hosting the meet.
Epp figures it took about six to organize, and it couldn’t have been the success it was without the help of many sponsors, volunteers, coaches and board members.
Just getting out and competing after a tough two years of COVID-19 restrictions has been exhilarating.
“COVID caused long-term closures, strict restrictions and multiple hurdles for our club,” Epp wrote.
“Our head coach, Michelle Jaffray, alongside her coaching staff and the board of directors, lead us through the difficult time and we are back in full swing now.
“Our membership is way up, with 450 athletes between our two locations. We anticipate we will continue to grow each year.”
