Island Gymnastics Academy

C.J. Keliher accepted into NCCP Level 4 Program

Academy coach C.J. Keliher was recently accepted into Gymnastics Canada’s NCCP Level 4 coaching certification program. This two year program is offered to a very select group of 30 coaches from across Canada, chosen from women’s and men’s artistic gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling, and rhythmic gymnastics.

 To be considered for the program, coaches need to be working with national high performance athletes, such as Academy gymnasts Matt Gallant and Scott Chandler. Keliher has coached and competed at numerous Nationals and Canada Games and was honoured in 2010 as Gymnastics PEI’s Coach of the Year.

Graduation from the program allows coaches to travel internationally with Team Canada athletes and is the highest coaching level awarded in the country.  Upon completion of the program, Keliher will join an elite group of Island coaches who have earned Level 4 certification, including Academy head coach Jim Rand (gymnastics) and Lewis Page (soccer).

Congratulations C.J.!!!

Success in Los Angeles for Island Gymnastics Academy Gymnasts

Two of Island Gymnastics Academy’s senior gymnasts recently competed at the prestigious Peter Vidmar Invitational in Los Angeles, CA (March 1-3). In its 22^nd year, this international event attracts gymnasts from around the world. Host Peter Vidmar was inducted into the US Olympic Hall of Fame in 1991, the USA Gymnastics’ Hall of Fame in 1997 and is the highest scoring American gymnast in Olympic history.

“Travelling to compete in big international meets is an important part of our preparation. It gives our National level athletes the confidence and experience they need to succeed.” says Academy coach C.J. Keliher.

 Alex Mann performed his best routines of the season to earn 69.80 in Level 9. He was ninth overall with a fifth place finish on floor and vault and sixth on pommels. Matt Gallant placed fourteenth all-around (Level 10) in a very strong field of international competitors with a score of 69.700.

GREAT JOB BOYS!!!!!

Strong Performances by Academy Girls at Amherst, NS Competition

The Island Gymnastics Academy girl’s competitive team dominated at the March Break Invitational in Amherst, NS over the weekend and won all-around medals in virtually every category, securing yet more positions on Team PEI for the upcoming Atlantics in Nova Scotia and the Eastern Canadian Championships in Newfoundland.

 The Academy’s best performances of the weekend were from the Novice 3 girls. The Novice 3 team claimed 1^st through 3rd in the all-around, with Academy athletes on the podium for all four apparatus. Chelsea MacLeod, PEI’s top-ranked Novice 3 gymnast, led the team with the all-around gold medal.  Tessa McGuigan and Paige Mills took the silver and bronze all-around medals. Sydney Sear was 6^th on beam and her strong scores secured her spot to Atlantics.

 The top performer in the Argo 1 girl’s team was Lauren MacDonald with the overall bronze. Teammates Ella Hickey won floor, Katie Gaudet won vault and Lindsay Ching won floor.

Rae-Lee MacDonald took the overall gold medal on Argo 2 and well as 1^st on beam. PEI’s top-ranked Tyro 2, Emma Christensen, was 1^st on floor. PEI’s top-ranked Novice 2, Dara MacInnis, took all-around gold in her category. Teammate Emily Doucette was the bars champion and Callie Thompson won floor. In Open 2, Samantha Macadam was the overall silver medalist and took top spot on floor. Jenny Campbell claimed 1^st place on bars.

 In Open 3, Natalie Haddad was the top Academy gymnast with the silver all-around medal. Teammate Megan Doucette also secured her score to qualify for Eastern’s with strong routines on all events.

  “We were thrilled with our meet results this weekend. Such strong performances are encouraging as we head into Provincial Championships, and the final Team PEI selection.” says Academy Women’s Program Director Sharon Gareau.

GREAT JOB EVERYONE!!!!!

Good Luck to the Academy Girls Competing in Quebec and Nova Scotia

Our Pre-Novice National girls are heading to Montreal on March 7^th to compete at the Gymnix Classique. This prestigious competition attracts close to 1000 gymnasts and runs annually in Montreal in conjunction with the Gymnix L’International, a World Cup event attracting the best gymnasts from all over the world. The team will have the opportunity to watch a level of gymnastics beyond anything they have seen at local competitions.

 Following the competition, the girls will participate in a full day training camp which will include sessions with top Canadian coaches such as Josee Cyr (Gymnix), Lawson Hamer (Futures) and even an artistic preparation class led by the National Circus School’s Nico Lagarde. Good luck to Karisa Quinn, Emma MacIntyre,  Jenaya Ross and coach Shelley Parker.

 Over 40 Academy girls are also competing at the Amherst Invitational Meet in Nova Scotia this weekend. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!