In these strange times, Delta Gymnastics Society finds itself waiting for its next beginning. From a humble start in the auxiliary gym at Tsawwassen Junior Secondary in 1975, it thrived and grew for 45 years.
“We began with summer recreation classes for children aged five to 12 years,” recalls Kari Cullen, founder of Delta Gymnastics. “I have seen it grow, flourish and become a staple in our community for at least three generations.”
In early 2020, before COVID-19, extensive programming was offered at the gym club’s Ladner facility, from developmental to high level competitive classes, with ages ranging from babies to 95-year-olds.
“We are very aware of how much our participants are missing their coaches, classes and training,” says business manager Sharon Gillespie. “Our gym has always been a family, including our coaches getting their first jobs with us who become role models and leaders, to professional career coaches that have a lifetime of expertise and coordinate our various programs, to our many involved and supportive parents who believe in the sport and activity of gymnastics, and our group of volunteer board members who care so much about our society.”
Delta Gymnastics has experienced its fair share of disruption, including a devastating fire in 2002 that set back expansion plans until it moved to the new location in 2011.
“We are extremely fortunate that this community has rallied behind us whenever we have needed help,” says Gillespie. “We don’t know how long this situation will last but we do know that gymnastics as a foundational sport will continue to be an important physical development pillar for children, teens, adults and seniors. We do not know what the scenario will look like once we are able to open, but like in the past, we will come back stronger.”
As a not-for-profit society, Delta Gymnastics is encouraging the community’s support, if it can, through the purchase of a tile wall, returning bottles to the Express Depot and staying connected through social media channels. Delta Gymnastics is offering limited virtual free classes to those who have paid their 2019-2020 membership fees.
In the meantime, the society is taking measures to maintain the 20,000-square-foot facility to ensure it is ready and safe for members, staff and coaches.
“Every precaution will be taken to ensure the safety of everyone, and we will not open our doors until this is accomplished,” adds Gillespie. “We look forward to welcoming everyone back, to see all those smiling rosy-cheeked faces and to have the smell of stinky feet back in the building. It is funny the things you start to miss.”
The society was hoping to mark its 45th anniversary this June with many celebrations.
For information visit deltagymnastics.com.
