Rhythmic Gymnastics Manitoba

…And spectacle it was!

Sunday, May 6 at the Tec. Voc Collegiate, over 200 gymnasts from Alegria, ARGO, Formettes, Goldstream, HPTCI, Momtaza, Rhythmic Royals, Masterworks Dance Studio and the Manitoba Gymnaestrada Team performed in front of the sold out house. One performance better than other kept the audience involved and asking for more.

The afternoon was crowned by a performance of the Manitoba Gymnaestrada Team with presentation of the program they will be taking to the the 2007 World Gymnaestrada in Dornbirn, Austria this July. Those of you who have missed this performance will have one more chance to catch them before they leave for Europe. The team will perform at the awards ceremonies of the 2007 Provincial Championships, June 1-3, at Max Bell Centre.

Coaching Manitoba is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2005 Coaching Manitoba Excellence Awards. Presentation of the awards took place on Saturday, April 16, 2005 at the Hilton Suites Hotel Winnipeg Airport. The awards recognize a history of commitment and dedication to coaching in Manitoba.

Tracy Sterdan – Rhythmic Gymnastics, Winnipeg
Vince Leah Memorial Award – Grassroots Category

Tracy is a NCCP Level 3 certified Rhythmic Gymnastics coach and has been coaching for the past 13 years.
One of Tracy’s goals is to introduce the sport of rhythmic gymnastics to new athletes on an ongoing basis, in order to increase the number of children being exposed to this sport. She changed the recreation program at the Sapphires club from one 27-week program to 2 ten-week programs per season, thus reducing costs and increasing opportunities for more children to participate.

This season alone the program has grown to 82 athletes from just 30 in 2003. Tracy recognizes the different technical aspects and demands of rhythmic gymnastics. She is always encouraging her athletes to broaden their gymnastics training, by attending various skills camps offered by other clubs, as well as any opportunities to work with outside coaches. Tracy also encourages her athletes to take part in other sports, attend school trips and take advantage of opportunities, even if they may conflict with rhythmic gymnastics events. Tracy has developed the Sapphires club into a place where gymnasts feel welcomed and accepted.