Two-time Olympian to Coach PEI Gymnasts
Island Gymnastics Academy hosts regional training camp
Many of the region’s top gymnasts will be at Island Gymnastics Academy Oct 11-12 to participate in the club’s annual fall training camp. Guest coaches will include two-time Olympian David Kikuchi from Halifax Alta Gymnastics, who recently coached Canada’s Ellie Black to an Olympic vault final in London. Also on the coaching roster is Nick Blanton of Fundy Gymnastics whose many credentials include Director of the prestigious International Gymnastics Camp in Pennsylvania. Blanton was formally an international caliber coach in Great Britian where he coached teams at competitions throughout Europe. Rounding out the exceptional guest coaching staff is Olga Sinjakova-Harter of Kingswood Gymnastics in Fredericton. A former National Team member from Belarus, she has coached high performance athletes for many years, most recently at Omega Gymnastics in Coquitlam, BC.
“Every opportunity our gymnasts have to train with their peers from the region is really valuable. The caliber of the coaches at this year’s camp is truly impressive.” says Academy Women’s Program Director Sharon Gareau.
Joining the PEI athletes at the training camp will be male and females gymnasts from clubs in Saint John and Fredericton, NB as well as Halifax, NS. Competitive coaches from across PEI will also have the opportunity to benefit from several professional development clinics offered by guest coaches Blanton and Sinjakova-Harter.
“We have always believed that sharing our coaching expertise is the most effective way to produce National level athletes. These camps are a big part of our training program.” adds Academy Head Coach, Jim Rand.
A special thank you to Richard McGuigan and Bulldog Demolition and Environmental Services for sponsoring this event.
Island Gymnastics Academy 