By Jordan Parker, freelance writer
The Halifax ALTA Gymnastics Club recently began a Try Gymnastics program aimed at providing children of immigrant families with an opportunity to experience gymnastics, most for the first time ever.
For Crystal Gilmore, head recreational coach and supervisor at the club, allowing chances for all children to get involved in the sport she loves is paramount.
“I wanted to give an opportunity to newcomers in our province to participate in a gymnastics program, be introduced to the sport and I know they enjoyed it,” she says.
The program is a partnership with Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) and has been supported by Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA) funding through Sport Nova Scotia.
ISANS took care of the registration process and recruitment, as well as promotion of the program to the families they work with. Thanks to the EDIA funding, the club will be able to run four Try Gymnastics sessions to many children of a variety of ages.
“This can expose up to 150 participants from the ages of four to 12 from the newcomer community,” says Gilmore.
The first session was offered in June where Gilmore says there were 30 participants between the ages of five and 12. Some of those who came out had such a great time that they signed up for the fall session of programming. There will also be Try Gymnastics sessions happening in October, January and March.
“It’s just amazing seeing all of the smiling faces and the joy the sport brings. It’s fun to see kids flip around, go upside down and try out the various apparatus. To give these kids an opportunity to enjoy a sport that so many of us love is very rewarding.”
Gilmore, a former Olympian herself, says the ALTA program is bursting with up and comers who dream about being the next Ellie Black.
“She is showing the younger generation what’s possible and she is an incredible ambassador for our sport” says Gilmore.
Gilmore is also a huge proponent of getting youth involved in sports at an early age.
“Exposing children to a sport program as young as possible helps set them up for success in sport and recreation throughout their life. It also helps them lead a healthy lifestyle and learn important physical literacy skills that will set them up for future success in sport,” she says. “It is so important for children to be active and play in a fun, safe and developmentally appropriate environment.”
