Just arrived and start training tomorrow!!

The Academy boys competed well at the Canadian Gymnastics Championships this week in Regina. Matthew Gallant had a strong finish on pommels with an 11th place finish. The team also watched the Senior Men’s finals last nights as the country’s best gymnasts battled for an Olympic berth.

Team PEI visited the Saskatchewan Science Centre on Saturday morning. Event finals and the athletes’ closing banquet are on the agenda for the rest of the day.

Video Streaming-click here

Results-click here

With PEI gymnastics veterans Matthieu D’Amour and Scott Chandler sidelined with injuries, the medal and all-around hopes at the 2012 National Championships in Regina SK rests in the hands of a younger PEI squad – a much younger squad, including 11 year old Samuel Gillis. “This is Samuel’s first National Championships and he is one of the youngest gymnasts on PEI to ever qualify to compete at Nationals” says coach CJ Keliher.  Samuel will be among 600 gymnasts at the National Championships, all vying for a high ranking in the all-around category to land a spot on the National Team. The championships will serve as a qualifier for the 2012 Olympics in the Senior category, but for now, 11 year old Gillis has his hopes set high in the Argo category. “It’s my first Nationals, and I’m incredibly so nervous and excited at the same time. I’m just going to go there and do my best and hopefully be Top 10 in my level”.

Joining Gillis will be top PEI gymnasts Sam Mallett and Carson Younker in the National Open category, along with Matt Gallant and Alex Mann in the Level 5 category. Training 18 hours a week, this PEI mens team means business. “It’s been a tough year in our mens’ program” says head coach Jim Rand “we were hoping to have 10 boys heading to Nationals and we’re down to five – but we definitely have 5 of the best and hardest working guys in our club.” Hoping to make finals on several events, along with some “Top 10” performances, Rand is certain the team is well prepared. Having already competed in Belgium and Vegas this competitive season, the team has plenty of experience at the National and International Level.

Coaches Jim Rand and CJ Keliher leave today with their athletes, Sam Gillis, Alex Mann, Carson Younker, Matt Gallant, and Sam Mallett to attend the Canadian Gymnastics Championships in Regina, Saskatchewan.  The competition will take place May 21-26 at the Credit Union Eventplex.  The competition will be live streamed beginning on May 22 (click here).  Results can be found on Gym Score Depot as they become available (click here). 

GOOD LUCK BOYS!!!!!!!