1. sports
2. gymnastics

GYMNASTICS
MISSISSAUGA
NEW SLETTER / M A R C H 2015
Provincial
Qualifiers
Women’s
Artistic Gymnastics
1st & 2nd
Ontario Cup
Acrobatic Gymnastics
On the Cover
3rd Ontario Cup
Men’s Artistic Gymnastics
Road to
GOLD
Pre-Competitive
ODP Meet
Talent Wins Games
Teamwork Wins Championships
XHOSA BAKER, SYANDENE BAKER AND ASHLEE CHAN TRAINING
EVENTS
MARCH 2015 - GYMNASTICS MISSISSAUGA
Welcome to the March 2015 issue of the Gymnastics Mississauga Newsletter. Our newsletter is a great way to
keep you informed of all that is currently happening and will be coming up in the next few months.
The winter session is almost over! Our Recreational Spring and Summer registrations are open, and registrations
are filling up fast! For those interested in registering for our camps and other events, or for those who still need
to register for our Recreational programs, all registration details and costs are listed on our website under
“Classes & Camps” at www.gymmississauga.org
OPEN HOUSE March 24, 5pm-7pm. No registration required!
To be certain about our recreational program, come by and have your child experience some fun gymnastics first
hand! The open house is only open for boys and girls ages 3-14 yrs old. Attire requirement is shorts and a t-shirt.
No experience necessary. Come and have fun!
WOMEN’S ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS (WORLD GYMNASTICS CHALLENGE) March 27 - 29, 2015
ODP Ages 5-9 and OCP Level 1-9 & National, hosted by Gymnastics Mississauga.
RECREATIONAL SPRING SESSION March 30 - June 30, 2015
MASCOT CONTEST Submissions are due by Saturday, April 18
Help us design our first ever club mascot, who will represent Gymnastics Mississauga at all our events,
promotions and competitions! For rules and further information, please refer to our website.
MASTER CLINIC WITH HEAD COACH CHRIS FOO April 29
Gymnastics in other countries: Using a Global Model in Gymnastics Training and Athlete Development at
Gymnastics Mississauga.
RECREATIONAL SUMMER CLASS June 29 - August 31, 2015
Prices go up on June 1st!
RECREATIONAL SUMMER CAMP June 29 - September 4, 2015
Prices go up on June 1st!
The REC program is looking forward to a FUN-FILLED SPRING!
MARCH 2015 - GYMNASTICS MISSISSAUGA
OUR COACHES HEAD COACH
Biography
Chris Foo, COMP Head Coach
Chris has been the MAG Head Coach at Gymnastics Mississauga for approx. 18 years and
is currently the Head Coach for both the Men’s and Women’s Artistic Gymnastics
competitive programs. Chris is a level 4 NCCP coach that has been coaching for over 30
years with a wealth of knowledge and experience in both Men’s and Women’s
Gymnastics. In the most recent past, Mr. Foo has been awarded the Men’s International
Coach of the year, while coaching athletes to championship games at the Junior and two
Senior Pan American Championships, two Pacific Rim Championships, the 2010 World
Games Championships (Rotterdam), The Commonwealth Games, and The Chinese
National Championships. In 2012, Chris was the coach of a London Olympic Games test event team member,
followed by taking an athlete to the 27th Summer Universiade Games in Kazan, Russia in 2013. Mr. Foo’s
attention to the development of the athlete from beginner level 1 Provincial to Senior High Performance is
evident in a snapshot of successes in the 2006 season producing six Provincial and three National Champions.
His philosophy integrates and supports all facets of the developing athlete in and out of the gym.
Our Head Coach Chris Foo received a GO recognition award for long time commitment and outstanding service
to Gymnastics Ontario on October 2014.
Souren Torosyants, ACRO Head Coach
Souren has been the head coach of Mississauga's
Acrobatic Program since its inception. Acrobatic has a
long history and is well loved in Europe. It is comparatively new in Canada. With his wealth of international
experience, Souren was an instrumental figure in
bringing Acrobatic Gymnastics to Ontario. A graduate
of Moscow Circus College and Moscow Russia Academy
of Performing Arts (Gitis), Souren has performed and
coached in 40+ countries, and Canada for over 30 years.
He has taken his athletes twice to the World Championships in Florida and Paris as well as the national and
provincial championships. Under his leadership, our
Acrobatic program has grown tripled in size. Souren
Torosyants is a NCCP level 3 Women's Artistic
Gymnastics Coach and a NCCP level 3 trampoline
coach. Souren is known in the gymnastics circle for his uncanny ability to offer high
level training while making it fun for all involved.
MARCH 2015 - GYMNASTICS MISSISSAUGA
OUR COACHES men’s artistic gymnastics
Biography
Miguel Costante, MAG Supervisor
Miguel is a level 4 high performance coach who has coached in Argentina
as well as across Canada. He has taken many of his athletes from a young
age all the way to the national level. He is passionate in instilling perfection
as the goal for his gymnasts. We welcome Miguel to Gym Mississauga to
our Men's Program coaching team.
Daniel Hernandez
Daniel strives to develop confident and well technically prepared athletes, his
strong passion for the sport motivates him to constantly learning new
coaching techniques to produce better results in athletes. Recently he has
taken the judges training to complement his coaching approach, he is also
currently working towards getting his MAG Level 3 Full Certification.
Coaching Certification: MAG Level 2, Level 2 Trampoline, Level 3
Trampoline Technical, Partial MAG Level 3, CPR “C”, MAG Judge in process,
B.Sc. Actuarial Science
Nei Oliveira
Technical Management by I ETFG / SEBRAE; Graduated in Physical
Education at the University of Viçosa, Brazil, and I was assistant professor of
artistic gymnastics graduated; I worked as a choreographer, artistic
gymnastics and Aerobics; I was a coach of Artistic Gymnastics and
Trampoline of Olympic Minas Gerais state Project Coach of University of
Viçosa, Brazil; I am a regional judge of Aerobics,Men’s and Woman’s
artistic gymnastics and trampoline; I worked with recreational and
competitive gymnastics. My Highlights as a Coach was 2nd place on Floor
and 3rd in all around in Regional Games of Minas Gerais State.
MARCH 2015 - GYMNASTICS MISSISSAUGA
women’s artistic gymnastics
Biography
Chris Laszlo, WAG Supervisor
Chris has completed his Level 4 NCCP training and is a graduate of Seneca
College's Advanced Coaching Techniques Program. He was recently granted status
as a Chartered Professional Coach by the Coaching Association of Canada. He has
coached many Provincial and Eastern Canadian champions and was the Team Coach
of the 1st place Ontario National Opens at the 2014 Canadian Championships. Chris
has developed a strong technical knowledge base through working as a judge, and
through coaching high performance athletes in both women's and men's artistic
programs throughout Canada, Australia, and the United States. Chris has been
involved in gymnastics as a coach and competitor for more than 30 years.
Natalia Nowakowski
Natalia has been involved with competitive sports her whole life, competing at the
provincial level for gymnastics, soccer, and diving. She started her work with children
as a soccer referee and continues with her passion as a gymnastics coach. She's been
coaching for 7 years, 6 of which have been spent here at Gymnastics Mississauga.
Natalia is a fully certified Level 1 Trampoline coach and Level 3 WAG coach, whose
medical knowledge has aided in understanding the kinetics of the human body, and
helped improve upon the technicality of her coaching.
Tammie Gray
Tammie has been coaching competitive gymnastics for over 26 years. She has been a
dedicated coach and Head Coach, and has received her 25 year Gold Diamond Pin
Award from Gymnastics Ontario.
She is a Level 3 Certified National level coach and is a graduate of the Seneca College
Physical Education Elite Gymnastics Program. Tammie has coached athletes on the
third place team, as well as vault finalists in the International Maccabiah Games in
Israel. Over the past 26 years, Tammie has had many athletes receive NCCA
scholarships. She has also choreographed and coached many medalists on beam and
floor at National Championships in Canada and the United States, 30 Provincial Champions, and over 40
medalists on floor at Provincial Championships. Tammie has received many speciality awards on bars, beam and
floor at National and Provincial Championships, and is a sought after choreographer working at clubs across
North America.
Tammie is a dedicated coach with a solid commitment to development of gymnastic and life skills of athletes in
order to help them reach their full potential. She hopes to shape her athletes into confident, respectful, poised,
and successful gymnasts in a nurturing, motivating environment.
Jasmine Patterson
Originally from Brampton Ontario, she received a full scholarship in Springfield
Massachusetts and competed in Track and Field. While competing at the collegiate
level she received her 4 year bachelor degree. She is currently enrolled in the Faculty
of Education Consecutive Program at York University and will graduate in May of
2015. She is a former gymnast of Gymnastics Mississauga and has been involved in
competitive gymnastics for over 15 years, both as a competitive provincial
athlete, and as a pre-competitive and invitational coach. She is a level 2 NCCP coach
in women's artistic gymnastics.
MARCH 2015 - GYMNASTICS MISSISSAUGA
women’s artistic gymnastics
Gary Isaacs
Gary currently coaches for the Women’s Artistic Program. He is a graduate of Advance
Technique in Gymnastics from Seneca College where he received the student
recognition award. His coaching philosophy is "Hard work pays off! The only thing
that is stopping you from achieving your goals is you!" Gary is a certified coach for
the Men’s Artistic Gymnastics at Level 4, Women’s Artistic Gymnastics at Level 3, and
Trampoline at Level 2. Gary used to work at the Oakville Gymnastics Club for a year.
He used to coach as an Assistant Head Coach for the Men’s Artistic Gymnastics in Gym
Mississauga from 2003 to 2014. He coached for the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics at Provincial and Elite levels
in Canada and Australia, and the Jr. Pan American Games in Houston, Texas. He was an instructor with Power
Cheer Toronto. We are thrilled to have Gary back to the gym!
Candace Riecken
Candace is level 2 NCCP certified WAG coach and is currently completing her level 3.
She is also a level 2 Trampoline coach. In 2009 she graduated from Seneca College with
a competitive coaching diploma. She also recently graduated from York University with
a Bachelor degree in Psychology and has returned to complete her honors degree in
Kinesiology. Candace is a former gymnast and has a diverse teaching background. She
strongly believes in building a workplace environment of mentorship and teamwork.
She hopes to help build on the provincial and pre-competitive programs at Gymnastics
Mississauga by applying her knowledge and extensive experience. She is also excited to
learn from many of the other coaches that are part of the WAG and MAG team!
Tatiana Anjos
Tatiana is a Level 3 Women's Artistic Gymnastics Coach as well as a Level 2 Certified
Trampoline Coach, Dance Choreographer, Personal Trainer, Reflexologist & a proud
mother.She has coached everything from Mom & Tot classes to international levels of
Woman’s Artistic Gymnastics for the past 20 years. Her favourite events to coach are
ALL the events! Her goals include continuing to coach all 4 events for as long as
possible (while improving and learning on each event), and ultimately to represent a
team from Canada or Brazil (her birth place) at some Olympic Cycles. During her years
at Gymnastics Mississauga, she has seen a lot of history and growth, as she sees some of
her own athletes now taking on coaching roles themselves. Some gymnasts she highly respects are: Simone Biles
(U.S.A.), Diane Dos Santos (Brazil), Dominique Daws, Nastia Liukin (U.S.A), and Peng Peng-Lee (Canada).
Tatiana currently coaches Teams H & I, composed of development pre-competitive gymnasts aged 5-10 years
old. Her teams are very creative and act as a family unit. What she loves about gymnastics is that it not only
teaches her to keep her body balanced, strong, flexible and purely creative, but it also reflects onto her overall life
by nourishing her mind, body and soul each day.
Justine Russell-Rowe
Justine was a Provincial gymnast at gymnastics Mississauga for six years and most
recently was Eastern Canadian Champion 2014. She has been in gymnastics for over 10
years, but retired from competing June 2014 to focus on her educational goals. Justine
is in the Peel Regional Arts Program for Dance and hopes to use this knowledge as a
choreographer in gymnastics. She started coaching 2 years ago and looks forward to
passing on her enthusiasm for gymnastics to the athletes she coaches.
Justine is a certified Women's Level 2 and Tramp Level 1 coach. She is also an ODP
Assessor and Women's Artistic Judge.
MARCH 2015 - GYMNASTICS MISSISSAUGA
OUR COACHES ACROBATICS
Biography
Anastasiya Torosyants
Anastasiya grew up in a gymnastics family and has devoted 13 years to the sport. A
former competitive gymnast with international experience, she knows the hard work and
dedication required for elite athletes but also understands the passion and care needed
to nurture young gymnasts. As a fully certified NCCP level 2 Artistic and Trampoline
coach, she has repeatedly guided many of our Mississauga gymnasts to the podium at
provincial competitions. With her Business Administration major background, she also
plays a major role in the smooth running of our Competitive Acrobatic program.
Xhosa Baker
Xhosa is an active national level gymnast who has won top prices in Canadian
Championships. As a level two coaches, she trains our interclub team and also assist
with the provincial athletes. One of her recent career highlight was teaching at the
Provincial Acrobatic training camp. She enjoys helping children in improving and
reaching their full potentials. Outside of gym, she likes to spend time with family and
do rock climbing.
Irena Nechaevski
(Acrobatic gymnastics coach) Prior to getting her Master degree in Coaching and
Choreography from university in Russia, Irena was a national rhythmic gymnastics
champion who also received training at the National School of the Bolshoi Ballet. In the
past twelve years she has been coaching and working with many of Canada's top
gymnasts. Artistic gymnastics Olympians Ellie Black, Kristina Vaculik, Jessica Savona
and Peng-Peng Li all had international success with her choreography. Her breath of
experience makes her a sought-after clinician at coaches' conference. Irena is currently
our Acrobatic coach and choreographer, and has taken Gym Mississauga's Women's Trio
and Men's Pair to the top of the podium at Canadian Championships.
RECREATIONAL
Noah Sunga
Coaching Level: Level 1 Tramp, Level 2 Artistic Gymnastics. Biography: I've been
coaching at Gymnastics Mississauga for 5 years, and I've worked with pretty much
every group you can think of. From parent and tot to tumbling and even
competitive, I've learned a lot from the athletes and my fellow coaches. My greatest
achievement as a coach has been helping every athlete achieve a personal goal by
the end of the term. Favourite Event: My favourite event to coach is Floor because it
is where athletes get to show their creativity and the skills you learn on Floor can be
transferred to every other event. It's where you learn your first skill in gymnastics
and there is no limit to the amount you can learn.
RECREATIONAL
MARCH 2015 - GYMNASTICS MISSISSAUGA
Biography
Jayme Pryer
Coaching Level: women's artistic 2, trampoline 1. I've been coaching for 8 years! Some of
my proudest moments were when I completed my Artistic Women's Level 2
coaching course. Teaching one of my athletes everything from a cartwheel to a round off
backhand spring back tuck within a 4 term span is also something I am very proud of!
I love getting the chance to help out with coaching competitive athletes!
Favourite event: Floor! I love all the power and energy that comes with tumbling!
Inez de Braga
Coaching Level: Level 1 Trampoline, Level 2 Women's Artistic. Biography: Inez has been
coaching at the recreational level for 5 years. It was two years ago that she took on as a
competitive coach as well. Some of her proudest achievements and experiences were
becoming a supervisor and getting to coach at the competitive level. Inez was a gymnast
and the dedication she possessed as an athlete, she hoped to instill in her athletes as their
coach. Favourite Event: As a gymnast my favourite event was always vault and floor; the
reason being that I was a very powerful individual and these events allowed me to
demonstrate that to its full potential. However, as a coach my favourite event would be
beam. As an athlete I always struggled with beam, so when I am able to help athletes achieve their skills on beam
it makes me feel very accomplished and satisfied.
Jonathan Asada
Coaching Level: NCCP Level 3 Women’s Artistic Gymnastics coach, as well as an NCCP
Level 1 Trampoline coach. Jonathan has coached Cheerleading and Women’s gymnastics at
the competitive level, as well as Men’s Gymnastics, Trampoline, and Tumbling. When not in
the gym, Jonathan is pursuing his undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto in
Philosophy and Anthropology. Beyond school and coaching, Jonathan enjoys reading,
snowboarding, and anything technology related. Favourite Event: His favourite apparatus
in the gym is the Trampoline, for its versatility and ability to provide repetition of a skill
without wear on the body.
Vanessa Tesolin
Like most coaches, I started out as a CIT and once old enough, I took my level 1 and
started coaching my own Recreational classes. It was only a year coaching
Recreational when I was encouraged to take my level 2 coaching certification in order to
coach higher level gymnastics. My final goal was to become an NCCP level 3 Women's
Artistic coach, which I also achieved not long after. I also ran the
Recreational program, as well as, held the Head Coach position in Thunder Bay
during this time. I took my athletes from Pre-competitive to Provincial level 8 which was
quite an accomplishment being from Thunder Bay, where at the time only had one
gymnastics club.
Sarah Winterfield
I have been working at Gymnastics Mississauga for the more than 5 years. I graduated from the Gymnastics
Coaching program at Seneca College in the mid 1990's. I came away from that program as a level 3 gymnastics
coach and having my level 2 trampoline. I have been coaching gymnastics at all levels from kindergym to
provincial level althletes for 20+ years. As well as coaching I have also been a recreation coordinator, helped
develop gymnastics programs and teach up coming coaches.
OUR STAFF
MARCH 2015 - GYMNASTICS MISSISSAUGA
Biography
Anita Kovacevic began her role as Executive Director in October 2014. She holds several
degrees from the University of Toronto, including a specialist in Gifted Education. After
nearly 20 years of teaching high school and at the University of Toronto, she ventured
into small business in the areas of hospitality and sports management. She is delighted to
be part of the Gymnastics Mississauga team and hopes to assist in continuing the legacy
of excellence at the club which will celebrate 50 years since its founding, in 2019.
Janet Brun-Reyes. Originally from Colombia Janet was a manager for 13 years at a travel
agency and has been part of Gymnastics Mississauga over 14 years, first as a
competitive parent and the past 9 years as the Recreational Coordinator of Gymnastics
Mississauga with over 25 years in customer service.
Louise has been involved with Gymnastics Mississauga since 1996 when her daughter
Katie started attending Kindergym classes. When Katie switched to the competitive
program, Louise became a volunteer and did everything from mopping mats on Friday
evenings to creating the programs for competitions. She was the Secretary on the Board
for a couple of years and left that job when she became the Bookkeeper/Administrator
in 2002. In addition to bookkeeping/accounting, Louise has had many administrative
responsibilities in the office, including preparing the Handbook and registration forms
for competitive registration.
Hope Jessup-Ramsay has been with the club for almost 3 years as Recreational Programs
Coordinator. She started off coaching Summer Camp and daycare programs with the
gym in 2012. Hope grew up a competitive dancer, performing in all disciplines. She
continued her dance career throughout University at the University of Guelph where she
also completed her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. After University Hope took to
teaching competitive and recreational dance at various studios through out the GTA.
Looking for a more full time line of work, Hope decided to join the administrative team
at the gym and it has been the perfect fit for her. Her enthusiasm and leadership has
been great for the recreational programs and it's coaches. One of Hope's favourite things
about her job is working with the lovely ladies in the office.
OUR STAFF
MARCH 2015 - GYMNASTICS MISSISSAUGA
Biography
Kim Foo initially discovered her interest in gymnastics when she trained in school
under the British Gymnastics system. After being accepted into the United Kingdom
Tae Kwon-Do association, Kim had the opportunity to train and compete with some
of the finest black belts. After completing Business Studies in the Royal County of
Berkshire, Kim was able to apply her skills when working for The Police Charter in
tactical communications.
Kim also has a love for the Arts and has studied at the London School of Music and
performed in many venues through out London, England, where she was also a finalist
in the X Factor, UK. Kim continues to serve Gymnastics Mississauga, supporting the office staff in assisting our
young gymnasts to excel in our variety of wonderful programs.
Serena Kaur is an enigmatic new-graduate who is more than excited to be a part of
the Gymnastics Mississauga team. Having done an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree
from the University of Toronto with a major in Ethics and a double minor in French
and Biology, diversity and new environments are something Serena enjoys immensely.
Although she is new to the world of gymnastics, Serena has been member to both
basketball and volleyball teams in the past, and is a soccer fanatic. She is also an avid
lover of music, as she plays guitar, piano, and is a trained singer, and she is passionate
about all things philosophical.
She hopes to bring fresh insight and innovative ideas from the perspective of someone
who admires the art of gymnastics, and with her administrative expertise, wishes to help optimize productivity.
Her positive attitude and enthusiasm is sure to be infectious all around! Fandah started off at Gymnastics Mississauga since January 2015. She is determined to
make a difference with fresh and modern illustrations for the gym. She obtained
grounding in the analysis and practice of visual and digital communication from
Sheridan College, The University of Toronto and Pixar masterclass. Throughout the
range of design skills, including sound and video production, graphic design in
branding and publication is her specialty. Her goal is to magnify the gym’s prestigious
level, following her creative marketing projects with the attentively organized programs
by the staff. She is pleased to work with the lovely women in the office, and admires the
beauty of both acrobatic and artistic gymnastics. She was involved in competitive track and
field, and enjoys acroyoga and boxing. Other tasks Fandah does in the office is part-time recreational registration.
EVENTS
MARCH 2015 - GYMNASTICS MISSISSAUGA
PanAm Games Open House
The kids helped Suzie out at Casa Loma for the PanAm Games open house. Lots of visitors attended the event!
- Sandra
Elizabeth Musgrave makes it to the Mississauga News!
“Local gymnast records a perfect 10” By Iain Colpitts
“MISSISSAUGA – Elizabeth Musgrave couldn’t believe it. Neither could
her coach, parents or anyone else in an Oshawa gym last month.
The Gymnastics Mississauga member had just finished what she thought
was an excellent beam routine at an Ontario Cup qualifier, but when
her score came up as a perfect 10, she started scrambling to determine
whether or not it was true...”
Click on the link for full article: The Mississauga News
COMPETITION
MARCH 2015 - GYMNASTICS MISSISSAUGA
Women’s Artistic Gymnastics - Provincial
Rachel on Beam scores 9.550
CONGRATULATIONS Gymnastics Mississauga WAG!
Our incredible athletes have come home with 159 medals from their Provincial Qualifiers. What an achievement!
- Coach Tammie.
Coach Tammie supports her
team at the Muskoka Qualifier
in Bracebridge
COMPETITION
MARCH 2015 - GYMNASTICS MISSISSAUGA
Pre-Competitive ODP Meet, Richmond Hill - Second Qualifications,
Jan 31 & Feb 2
The girls have been working so hard and were ecstatic to be
able to display their accomplishments at their first
competition of the year. It was many of the girls' first
competition and although nerves were present, they rose to
the occasion and performed amazingly! Coaches Jasmine,
Justine, Tatiana and Natalia are continuing to improve with
the girls and prepare for our upcoming home meet at GM!
The girls from Team I and Team J also received an award for
the team who displayed the most SPIRIT! Way to go girls,
keep up the hard work and dedication! - Coach Jasmine and
Coach Tatiana.
COMPETITION
MARCH 2015 - GYMNASTICS MISSISSAUGA
First & Second Acro Ontario Cup
Our athletes have successfully competed at our 1st and 2nd Acro Ontario Cup of the season. Winning lots of
gold, silver and bronze! Great job Gymnastics Mississauga Acro athletes!
Here are all 1st place winners for the 2015 Acrobatic Gymnastics 1st Ontario Cup. Check out the next page for
all the scores and places our athletes achieved from the 2nd Ontario Cup.
WP: Women's Pair
WG: Women's Group
MXP: Mixed Pair
Level 5:
Joanna Lee & Amelia Woronowski-Lee WP
Alina Sokolov & Sasha Sokolov MXP
Aleksandra Ritchie & Vikram Singh MXP
Julia Wojstowicz, Ella Sztuska & Olivia Lorens
WG
Level 6:
Laura Cernea, Olivia Ritchie & Emilia Ceconi WG
Level 7:
Victoria Luciani & Alexa Luciani WP
Abeed Chowdhury & Taiya Bono MXP
Jenna Stratigeas, Elzabeth Benakopoulos & Amy
Pan WG
National:
Mikeala Pingol & Karyzza WP - 11-16
Looking forward to our 2nd Ontario Cup
Competition on February 21st and 22nd.
Good luck to all our athletes! - Coach Anastasiya.
COMPETITION
MARCH 2015 - GYMNASTICS MISSISSAUGA
Second Acro Ontario Cup Scores
Our Acrobatic athletes did a great job!
Congratulations to everyone who competed and we can't wait for the next meet happening on March 28-29, 2015!
Level 5
Individual:
Alyssa Ivantchenko - Demo
Nicole Trzcinski - 3rd
Sofia Marziali - 5th
Laila Marziali - 5th
Women’s Pair:
Karoline Kopec & Olivia Kopec - Demo
Avery Walker & Payton Walker - Demo
Tristen Tigree & Raiya Miller - Demo
Joanna Lee & Amelia Woronowski-Lee - 1st
Alison Barnes & Samantha Rossi - 2nd
Elizabeth Khomenok & Kira Kovacevic - 4th
Women’s Group:
Nicole Keilek, Anabelle Ceconi & Cosima Ceconi - 1st
Julia Wojtowicz, Ella Sztuska & Alexandra Ivantchenko - 2nd
Mixed Pair:
Kuanish Gunday & Anna Kuzmenko - 1st
Vikram Singh Chahal & Aleksandra Ritchie - 2nd
Level 6
Women’s Pair:
Katelynn Baksa-Wiltshire & Annabeth Lampitt - 2nd
Women’s Group:
Kayla Michalakos, Natalia Kot & Abigail Klassen - 1st
Laura Cernea, Olivia Ritchie & Emilia Ceconi - 2nd
Sarah Downie, Beth Downie & Isabelle Klassen - 3rd
Level 7
Women’s Pair:
Victoria Luciani & Alexa Luciani - 1st
Women’s Group:
Jenna Strtigeas, Elizabeth Benakopoulos & Amy Pan - 1st
Diona Sulemani, Emma Shapland & Anna Ivantchenko - 2nd
Iryna Dubchak, Anna Pioun & Sasha Pioun - 6th
Mixed Pair:
Abeed Chodhury & Taiya Bono - 1st
National:
Mikaela Pingol & Karyzza Guillermo - 1st
Nikki Krigos & Mila DiSalle - 3rd
competition
MARCH 2015 - GYMNASTICS MISSISSAUGA
Women’s Artistic Gymnastics - Provincial Qualifiers
The month of February brought upon the completion of the three provincial qualifiers. Congratulations to all of
the athletes who participated throughout the year, and good luck to those that have qualified to represent the club
at the provincial championships this April in Windsor.
Here are some of the individual highlights from recent weeks.
A
Team A: Alyssa landed landed her first full twisting double back tuck on bars (this very difficult
dismount is used by many athletes in international competition). In addition, both Lilia and
Kristienne made great improvements on their clear hip to handstands on bars, and Lara competed
toe circle to handstand for the first time.
C
Team C: Cassie continued to make progress on her low bar giants, and both Rachel and Kaila
flipped tucked Yurchenkos on the hard vault into the foam pit.
B
D
Team B: Natalia competed at her first qualifier as a provincial level 6 athlete, Samara added a
handstand flyaway to her regularly increasing skill set on bars, Ashley made several steps forwards on
her flyaway on bars, Emily D added a straddle cast on the high bar in her routine, Jessi returned to her
powerful handspring vaults, and Kiora began doing her free hip to handstand and handstand flyaway.
Team D: Kamryn continued building strength and is getting very close to casting to handstand,
Isabel made big improvements on her landings on her piked tsuk on vault, and Melody greatly
improved her form on her giants and her lightning on bars.
Again, congratulations athletes to a job well done! - Coach Chris Laszlo.
If you don’t leap
You’ll never know what it’s like to
ISABEL PAZ SOARS OVER BEAM AT THE PROVINCIAL QUALIFIER
fly
cOMPETITION
MARCH 2015 - GYMNASTICS MISSISSAUGA
Muskoka Qualifier in Bracebridge
Our Men’s and Women’s Artistic Gymnastics athletes had the opportunity to compete at the Muskoka Qualifier
in Bracebridge on February 6-8.
Congratulations to all who competed! As always, we are extremely proud of all our athletes for their hard work and
dedication to the sport.
Thank you to our Competitive Coaches, as well as a special thanks to all the parents for their continued dedication.
Your consistency and devotion through even the most treacherous of weather conditions is truly admirable!
Second Qualifier Session (Friday Night) - Senior
Friday Night Junior
competitions
MARCH 2015 - GYMNASTICS MISSISSAUGA
Men’s Artistic Gymnastics - Novice
After the 1st Qualifier, the coaches and a talk
with our boys.
COMPETITION
MARCH 2015 - GYMNASTICS MISSISSAUGA
Muskoka Qualifier - Level 5 and Whole Group
Anthony Nadar,
2nd Place
National Open
COMPETITION
MARCH 2015 - GYMNASTICS MISSISSAUGA
Muskoka Qualifier
Highlights from the MAG Second Qualifier in Muskoka
Daniel Sieto got silver in Vault
Stephen Pascual performed well on Rings and obtained gold, and silver on Vault
Chidube, Stephen and Arisano are preparing to improve performance still for the third Qualifier coming up on
March.
- Coach Daniel
Stephen, Rings
Men’s Artistic Gymnastics 3rd Ontario Cup - Junior
competition
MARCH 2015 - GYMNASTICS MISSISSAUGA
Men’s Artistic Gymnastics 3rd Ontario Cup - Senior
The Men’s Artistic Gymnastics 3rd Ontario Cup was hosted at Gymnastics Mississauga on March 6-8.
Congratulations to the MAG athletes who competed! Your efforts are overwhelming! We thank our coaches,
especially parents who continue to support the athletes’ dedication to the sport!
Here are the list of athletes who competed:
Junior
Armaan Walli
Tolga Dolunay
Jacob Bonnay
Level 2
Level 4
Casey Rogan
Erion Sulemani
Thomas Pantano
Open
Thamilenian Balakumar
Ricky Palermo
Reily Bowen
Kieran Mehta
Level 5
Novice
William Mackinnon
Anthony Nadar
Darian Modasi
Gaikza Pina
Minh Ngo
Elel Baker
Quinton Dawkins
Elite 4
Matthew DacBang
Arisano Mazzone
Peitro Bertola
Braeden Spiteri
Chidube Ekwommadu
Jackson Ramsay
Level 1
Level 3
Senior
Luca Frost
Tony Partito
Jackson Rozario
Stephan Pascual
Maxim Loginov
Daniel Sieto
Gabriel Palermo
competition
MARCH 2015 - GYMNASTICS MISSISSAUGA
Men’s Artistic Gymnastics 3rd Ontario Cup (Saturday)
road to gold
MARCH 2015 - GYMNASTICS MISSISSAUGA
Men’s Artistic Gymnastics 3rd Ontario Cup (Saturday)
GYM GALLERY
Team F
MARCH 2015 - GYMNASTICS MISSISSAUGA
GYM GALLERY
MARCH 2015 - GYMNASTICS MISSISSAUGA
Team Spirit Award
These are some of the Team I athletes (Coached by Coach Tatiana Anjos) and some of the Team J athletes
(Coached by Coach Jasmine Patterson) that achieved a TEAM SPIRIT AWARD! The Team Spirit award was
presented at our first O.D.P Competition of the 2014-2015 competitive season in February. This picture represents
a very special message of TEAM SPIRIT. In life we must strive to always keep our souls upbeat and alive in all that
we do. Cheering each other on, respecting and nurturing each other even sometimes when the storm hits, support
one another because the light like the sun will always shine again. We are stronger in numbers! Working together
and sharing together like one BIG FAMILY in the gym and in the world; encouraging one another to do OUR
PERSONAL BEST EACH DAY! IN EVERY WAY POSSIBLE!!! Having this award presented to our GYMNASTICS
MISSISSAUGA CLUB is very special to all of us. THANK YOU EVERYONE! May you all continue to share your
lively free spirits with the world throughout your gymnastics journey and your entire life journey always. - Coach
Tatiana.
PAN AM
MARCH 2015 - GYMNASTICS MISSISSAUGA
TCDSB Raises Pan Am Spirit!
The Toronto Catholic District School Board hosted an
action-packed, multicultural, multimedia event aimed at
raising the Pan Am and Parapan Am spirit for students on
February 25th at The Hangar in Downsview Park. Over
500 students and educators from the TCDSB, Dufferin/Peel
Catholic DSB and Halton CDSB participated in “Pan Am
Celebration Day”.
Students and teachers engaged in Pan Am/Parapan Am
sport demonstrations to get a taste of what is to come this
summer when the province plays host to the TORONTO
2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games. Pan Am/Parapan Am
Kids (PPAKids) provided the program resources. They are
delivering a program to all school boards, in partnership
with the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games
Organizing Committee (TO2015), The Ministry of
Tourism, Culture and Sport and the Ministry of Education.
Our Gymnastics Mississauga ACRO gymnasts held a
demonstration at this event.
Click on the link for full article: TCDSB Pan Am
events
MARCH 2015 - GYMNASTICS MISSISSAUGA
Sports and Camps Show at Erin Mills Town Centre
Our Executive Director Anita Kovacevic and volunteers participated in The Sports
and Camps Show on February 21, 2015 at the Erin Mills Town Centre in Mississauga.
Gymnasts showcased their skills with guidance from Coach Chris Foo.
The Sports and Camps Show was organized through the Mississauga Sports Council;
located on the main floor of the Hershey Sportsplex, and run the Sports Hall of Fame.
Pachi from Pan Am/Parapan
Am Games dropped by!
road to gold
MARCH 2015 - GYMNASTICS MISSISSAUGA
Master Clinic with Miguel Costante
Parent Review!
“Good morning Anita and Chris, I just wanted to send a quick message to thank you for allowing us to
attend Miguel's Clinic yesterday. He was definitely able to touch some areas that we all struggle with as
the parents of athletes.
I'm glad that we belong to an environment where the vision is personal success!
Thanks again,
Benthe Camilleri
(Erika's Mom)”
We were all happy to see a packed room! Visit www.slideshare.net/GymMississauga to view Miguel’s presentation.
conference
Mississauga Sports Summit
On Saturday, February 28, the Mississauga Sports Council held its annual
Mississauga Sports Summit at the Toronto West Hotel in Mississauga. The
summit featured a wide array of conference panels on important sports
topics including injury prevention and grant opportunities. It also featured
both past mayor Hazel McCallion and current mayor of Mississauga Bonnie
Crombie, along with Olympic rower Curt Harnett. It was a fantastic,
well-organized event attended by several of our coaches, board members
and Executive Director.
Hazel McCallion
Bonnie Crombie
Curt Harnett
road to gold
MARCH 2015 - GYMNASTICS MISSISSAUGA
Cross-Training May Prompt More Injuries
From the Penn State News
Cross-training, in which gymnasts run or play
better as a result of playing another one,” notes William
T. Bates, M.S., R.P.T., former head trainer with the New
another sport, could be counterproductive or even
England Patriots. “There are coaches without a sports
dangerous for the athlete.
science background who choose inappropriate cross
The July issue of the Penn State Sports Medicine training methods and often put their athlete at risk of
Newsletter notes that cross training has its advantages. injury. I’m not saying a baseball player shouldn’t run to
It breaks the monotony of only one physical discipline, improve aerobics fitness, but that player would be better
sometimes serves as physical rehabilitation for the
off working on upper body strength training and
injured athlete and allows athletes an alternative
actually swining the bat to get stronger or quicker.”
activity for staying fit when they are not able to train in Professional football team probably do the best
their primary sport. However, there is reason to
job of designing sports-specific exercises, Bates told the
question the value and even the safety of cross training. newsletter. Linemen work on quick burst strength and
Edward G. McFarland, M.D., an orthopedic
power training, while receivers are doing 20-30 second
surgeon at John Hopkins University, and Mike Wasik,
sprints. Coaches in other sports should follow football’s
A.T.C., a trainer at the University of Florida, studied the model in planning training programs.
frequency of training and cross training injuries
“An athlete in one sport is not going to
sustained by 68 women collegiate swimmers over a
get better as a result of playing another
seven-year period.
one,” notes William T. Bates, M.S., R.P.T.
They discovered that 45 percent of th injuries
were due to swimming and 44 percent to cross training, Daniel Monthley, MS., A.T.S., assistant athletic
the rest of the injuries resulting from everyday activities. trainer at Penn State, says, “We see a good number of
injuries that are not related to primary sports. The most
The McFarland-Wasik study was the first to show that
cross training injuries suggested that athletes who train common occur among football players who sprain their
ankles or twist their knees playing pickup or intrmural
in activities other than their primary sports are more
basketball.
susceptible to injuries than those who do not.
“At Penn State, we have to look at recreational
“Serious athletes think that cross training will
give them an extra edge over competitors,” McFarland sports as a form of off-season conditioning because
told the newsletter. “They go out and try to run further athletes are going to find something to play,” Monthley
or faster than others as part of a training program, but says. “On the other hand, coaches and trainers talk with
their athletes about their
end up getting injured. Those injuries frequently
prevent elite athletes from performing in their primary responsibilities
to avoid injuries.
sports.”
Some coaches
The weekend or recreational athlere can also
have problems with cross training because their bones, are becommuscles, tendons and ligaments are not used to the type ing strict on
this issue.
of stress put on the body by a second or third form of
They can’t
exercise.
afford to
McFarland advises the recreation athlete,
lose an
“Whatever you think you can do in the first day of a
athlete
new sport, cut it in half. Too much stress, too fast,
because of
results in injuries. Exercisers need to be very careful
about new activities. or sports that they have not played unnecessary injury,
for a long time.”
regarding less of
“An athlete in one sport is not going to get
how it happened.”
road to gold
MARCH 2015 - GYMNASTICS MISSISSAUGA
Placing Children In Ability Appropriate Groups
By Jeff Lulla
One of the most important decisions a gymnastics professional can make when enrolling a student in a class is
deciding which class will provide the best learning environment for the child. Far too often this decision is left up
to the parent, based on what will be the most convenient day and time for them. While convenience is an
understandable criteria for class selection, placement in the wrong class may cause the child to lose interest and
drop out of class, sacrificing what could have been a long and succeddsul gymnastics experience.
Young children placed into groups where the other participants are stronger and more advanced will
almost surely experience a sense of inadequacy or failure in not being able to succeed or keep up. Because young
children are unaware that they may be less experienced than another child, their self-esteem is crucial in the
development of a healthy individual.
Children who are enrolled in classes where others are weaker and less experienced will often become
bored and lose insterest. Teachers will be burdened to create separate challenges for these students and, in
essence, have to direct two different levels in one class. This is frustrating and exhausting for the teacher.
Eventually, the situation could possibly result in somehow dropping out or the class being split.
Placing the students in peer classes is an important process that requires the gymnastics professional to
acquire information on the student’s abilities prior to the enrollment. There are two ways to get this information:
1. Subjectively - The teacher works with the student, usually in a trial class. Based on the teacher’s
feelings and experience with the child in this trial lesson, the teacher will recommend the trial class or
another class.
2. Objectively - The teacher gathers specific data on the student that will be measured against the same
data on the other students in the program to find a good class match. Usually the date will include
measurements of strength, flexibility, balance, previously learned skills, etc.
From my experience, a combination of these two methods works best. Beginning with an appointment
for an objective aptitude evaluation and ending with a recommendation for an ability appropriate class to try
prior to enrollment. This procedure helps to ensure that the trial lesson is in a class that best matches the abilities
of the child, AND gives the instructor the opportunity to see how the child works with the rest of the existing
class.
While many gymnastics programs provide opportunities for trial lessons, without first determining the
child’s abilities, you may be setting the child up for a negative trial experience (their first impression of your
program and often of gymnastics).
Taking the time to perform an evaluation for children prior to enrollment takes time, but the results can
create far greater success and a more positive first impression for the parents and students.
Of course, educating the parents to value the careful placement of their child over and above the most
convenient class is an important part of the enrollment process. For this reason I suggest that a schedule of
classes not be provided to parents, but instead the business literature focus on the benefits of the program and
encourages the parents to call for the evaluation appointment. Once the prospective parent and child experience
the facility and the evaluation, they can be advised on the importance of proper peer grouping. In essence, this is
adding value to their gymnastics investment.
Reach
road to gold
MARCH 2015 - GYMNASTICS MISSISSAUGA
Diet & Nutrition of Elite & Professional Gymnasts
Jan 24, 2011 | By Sarah Robertson
Professioanl athletes need to monitor their diet carefully to ensure they have
the right fuel in their body to meet the demands of intense training. Elite
gymnasts have the added pressure of maintaining a lean body while developing
power, strength and endurance. British Gymnastics states in its coach education
guide that “a gymnast needs a controlled diet that maintains an optimum body
weight for safety and aesthetic purpose.” It is therefor important that coaches,
parents and gymnasts work together to ensure that elite gymnasts eat the
correct food to fuel their body for training.
THE BASICS
Many gymnasts are young athletes who also need to ensure they have the right
intake of nutrients to grow and develop, on top of ensuring they have enough
fuel to train. The regularity and duration of training sessions can effect the
way an elite gymnast eats. Eating smalll, frequent meals that are low in fat but
high in energy is the general pattern that an elite gymnast’s diet follows. Focus,
endurance and coordination can be affected if the right diet is not maintained.
Gymnasts also need to eat the right foods after traiing as well to enable the
body to recover from the strain it is put under.
BALANCING THE DIET
The overall amount of calories a gymnast eats is dependent on her personal
training schedule, the intensity of training and her body type. Elite coaches take
great care in ensuring each elite gymnast’s diet is carefully
maintained. Ideally, around 60 to 65 percent of the diet should come from
carbohydrates, such as whole grain, pasta, rice and fruit. To aid muscle growth and
repair, 12 to 15 percent of the diet should consist of meat, eggs and fish to provide
adequate amounts of protein. A gymnast usually follows a low-fat diet, with only
25 percent of calories coming from fatty foods, such as unsaturated fats found in
olive oil, nuts and fatty fish, rather than sweets, chocolate or fast food.
FLUIDS
Maintaining the correct levels of hydration is essential in ensuring elite gymnasts
perfom all their best. As gymnasts only require short bursts of energy to perform, loss of fluid through sweat
is not a large problem during training. However, it is important that gymnasts take regular drinks throughout
training and competitions to ensure sufficient hydration. Elite gymnasts should avoid drinking nutrient-free
carbohydrate fluids such as soda, instead optinf for water or glucose-based drinks.
EATING DISORDERS IN ELITE GYMNASTS
Due to the physical demands of the sport and the importance placed on having a lean body, gymnasts are prone
to developnig eating disorders. The American College of Sports Medicine recognizes the link between young
female athletes, disordered earting and health problems in its research and development of the “Female Athlete
Triad” syndrome. Early intervention of eating disorders and education of athletes, parents, coaches, trainers,
judges and administrators should be a priority, according to research by the ACSM. Coaches and parents should
look for signs of malnutrition in elite gymnasts and be aware of any changes in their eating habits and training.
road to gold
MARCH 2015 - GYMNASTICS MISSISSAUGA
The Importance of Mental Health
Gymnastics is a very rigorous sport, both on the body and on the mind as well. To be a well-rounded and
successful gymnast it is important to take note of your mental health both inside and outside of the gym as well.
As a coach here at Gymnastics Mississauga, I ensure that my athletes are working hard and having fun as well.
A sport like gymnastics is 70% mental and 30% physical; as long as our gymnasts minds are healthy, strong and
willing to be open to trying new things, they will surpass more of their expectations than they have ever
imagined! - Coach Jasmine.
road to gold
MARCH 2015 - GYMNASTICS MISSISSAUGA
One Parent’s Point of View
By John Pirrie
Gymnastics is one medium through which children can experience ‘life skills’. As parents and adults we are
exposed to emotions which we deal with on a daily basis - ‘happiness’, ‘anger’, ‘sadness’, ‘frustration’, ‘joy’. Each of
us responds to the causes of these emotions in different ways, and for the most part, endeavour not to allow our
judgement to be affected by our emotions.
Naturally, we are pleased to expose our children to joy and happiness, and are affected when they
experience the ‘darker’ side of life’s emotions. We can respond by removing them from the object of their
sadness, (running away) or we can try to educate them to the realities of life, in a way that they may be able to
relate to, through experiences they have already had and ‘overcome’. It may seem rather harsh to have our
children face up to reality, and undoubtedly views will differ.
At home, children do not always ‘get what they want’, nor at school. Yet for some strange reason are we
sometimes guilty of changing our outlook when it comes to gymnastics? It would be unnatural for us not to ‘care’.
At school children study, (in gymnastics this is probably called ‘training’), they have examinations (‘competitions’), they succeed ot fail! But who determines success and what is a failure? At school, if a teacher states that
our child should get a ‘C’, while other children may score higher or lower, then achieving a ‘C’ or above would
be seen as a success. But they probably did not come first, that honour can only be achieved by one individual in
any examination!!!
Although we might be disappointed, the teacher knows your child’s ability, and while all children are
wokring a similar ‘curriculum’, ‘success’ through the eyes of the teacher (coach?) is measured by achievement and
not by a score. If as a parent, I told my child that a ‘C’ (a score, or position?) was failure, when their teacher has
said this is success, then it will inevitably create a conflict for my child, and not unnaturally the child will almost
certainly take the parents’ view, with the likelihood of this undermining the authority of the teacher and a loss
of confidence in that teacher in other aspects. Invariably the child loses, and they feel a failure. As parents we see
their unhappiness and have to deal with it!!!
But who put pressure on the child, the teacher, or the parent???
In the end, we might either change schools, with a view to improving our child’s morale, or blame the
school for making our child unhappy. Perhaps measuring our child’s success or failure in gymnastics is best left
in the hands of those who know your child’s capabilities, and has already determined the defintion of success.
Fun
Fact
I
n the old days, Rope Climb was a gymnastics
event in the Olympic Games. Each competitor had
to climb a 25-foot rope from a standing position in
nine seconds or less. At the 1932 Olympics,
Americans Raymond Bass, W.G. Galbraith and
Thomas Connelly swept the medals with times of
6.7, 6.8 and 7.0 seconds!
MARCH 2015 - GYMNASTICS MISSISSAUGA
LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Parents and Gymnastics Mississauga participants;
February was a busy month with several key promotional events and a large sport summit put together by the
Mississauga Sports Council attended by both the previous and current mayor of Mississauga. It was a delight to
see so many different representatives of various sports from across the city.
At the beginning of March, we also had the pleasure of hosting our Men's Artistic Gymnastics meet, which went
very smoothly and saw many of our gymnasts perform extremely well. My sincere thanks to all our dedicated
parent volunteers.
Please make sure to attend our Women's Artistic Gymnastics meet at the last weekend of March. It will be a very
large event with a speculated attendance of 650 gymnasts from all across the province. Please come and support
our hard working gymnasts, and please support the many vendors that will be set up at our meet.
Finally, our secure door lock system has been put in place. Please be assured that we at the gym are committed
to the wellbeing of your children above all else, and to this end, we have upgraded our facility to match the same
standards as other Mississauga sports facilities. You will see other upgrades put in place before the Pan Am
summer games throughout the Hershey complex and we look forward to unveiling them as the months go by.
Sincerely,
Anita Kovacevic
Executive Director
Gymnastics Mississauga
email: [email protected]
phone: 905-270-6161 ext 204
www.gymmississauga.org
MARCH 2015 - GYMNASTICS MISSISSAUGA
MARCH 2015 - GYMNASTICS MISSISSAUGA
CONTACT
Gymnastics Mississauga
5600 Rose Cherry Place
Mississauga, ON L4Z 4B6
(905) 270-6161
Visit us on the web at www.gymmississauga.org
@gymmississauga
@gymnastics_mississauga