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Gymnastics club returns from one-year hiatus

Local gymnasts will be able to ply their trade in Estevan this winter with the return of the Estevan Gymnastics Club. The group was inactive last year due to a lack of interest, but it is gearing up for a restart this fall.


Local gymnasts will be able to ply their trade in Estevan this winter with the return of the Estevan Gymnastics Club.

The group was inactive last year due to a lack of interest, but it is gearing up for a restart this fall.

Former coach Lesley Mittelholtz said the club was forced to downsize from a full program in the past due to facility issues and that led to the decline in members.

"We ran a full (female) competitive program. We couldn't find a facility, so then we switched to a trampoline and tumbling program and the interest declined," she said.

The club saw its booming membership of about 150 plummet to 30.

The latest effort will attempt to establish a full program, running out of the multi-purpose room at the leisure centre, though it will be geared toward recreation rather than competition.

That is in large part due to the fact there isn't enough storage space for the equipment that would be required.

Laura Piper, who is helping to spearhead the club's return, said it was "really missed" over the past year.

Others involved are Carol Tessier and Alyshia Rae, with Michelle Hofstra doing the coaching.

The club will hold registration at citywide in August. The season will run in two sessions, the first from October to December and the second from January to March. Classes will be held on Tuesdays.

A senior group for ages 10 and up, as well as a junior group for ages five to nine, will have one-hour classes. Both are badge programs.

There will also be half-hour classes for a parent and tot group, for ages three and four.

Piper said the club is requesting permission from the city's leisure services to put anchors in the floor, something that has been denied in the past.

She said not having the anchors limits the club to a recreational nature.

Piper added that the program may yet be cancelled if enrolment at citywide is low. The club is hoping to attract at least 40 people.

Anyone wishing to volunteer or donate money toward equipment is asked to contact Piper at 421-3306.