Business Details
47 Years
experience
Expert Gymnastics Training for All Ages
The Nanaimo Gymnastics has been a cornerstone of the Vancouver Island gymnastics community since 1979. Our mission centers on expert coaching and community building, empowering athletes of all abilities to develop confidence, character, and physical literacy. With over four decades of experience, we offer structured programs for preschoolers, recreational athletes, and competitive gymnasts, including adaptive programming for individuals with special needs. Our values of excellence, inclusivity, and safety guide every aspect of our operations, from foundational skill development to nurturing provincial and national champions. As a not-for-profit society, we prioritize accessibility through partnerships like KidSport and Jumpstart, ensuring financial barriers don't limit participation.Our team of certified coaches brings decades of combined experience, including former national athletes and international judges. We maintain state-of-the-art facilities compliant with WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards, featuring specialized equipment for adaptive programs. Annual community events like Island Time competitions and fundraising initiatives strengthen our local impact. Through continuous staff training and formal accessibility policies, we create a welcoming environment where athletes thrive both on and off the mat.
Services
Preschool Gymnastics
Recreational Classes
Competitive Programs
Adaptive Training
Summer Camps
Birthday Parties
Drop-In Sessions
Xcel Program
GOALS Certification
Special Needs Programs
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We offer 45+ years of experience developing provincial and national champions
- Our adaptive programs accommodate athletes with special needs using specialized equipment
- Certified NCCP Level 3 coaches with international competition and judging experience
- WCAG 2.1 AA accessible facilities with dedicated accessibility training for staff
- Community partnerships providing financial assistance to over 100 local athletes annually
What people say
Experienced coaches
Inclusive environment
Successful competitive programs
Adaptive programming available
Community-focused
Services
Preschool Gymnastics
Structured gymnastics classes for children aged 18 months to 5 years develop fundamental movement skills. Our program builds physical literacy through age-appropriate activities that enhance balance, coordination, and spatial awareness while fostering social skills in a playful environment. Certified instructors use specialized equipment to create safe, engaging learning experiences that prepare children for future athletic pursuits.
Competitive Programs
Our competitive gymnastics programs train athletes from introductory levels to national competitors. The curriculum includes technical skill development on all apparatus, strength conditioning, and competition preparation. Athletes receive personalized coaching and participate in regional to national competitions, with progression tracked through formal assessment and testing events throughout the training year.
Adaptive Programs
Customized gymnastics instruction for individuals with special needs utilizes small instructor ratios and specialized equipment. Our certified coaches create individualized programs addressing specific physical, neurological, and social development goals while maintaining the same technical standards as mainstream programs. This inclusive approach has demonstrated measurable improvements in participants' fitness, confidence, and social skills.
Summer Camps
Themed summer programs combine gymnastics training with recreational activities for children aged 3-12. Full-day and half-day options include structured gym time, foam pit sessions, crafts, outdoor games, and themed activities. The curriculum balances skill development with fun, social interaction, and physical activity during school breaks while maintaining safety through certified instructor supervision.
Xcel Program
This transitional program bridges recreational and competitive gymnastics through routine-based training and interclub competitions. Athletes develop advanced skills while focusing on performance aspects rather than scoring. The curriculum emphasizes proper technique, artistic expression, and competition readiness through twice-weekly training sessions that prepare participants for potential progression to elite competitive levels.
People
Tracy Welbourn
Head Coach and Operations Manager
With 25+ years coaching experience, Tracy oversees program operations and coaching staff. She previously directed preschool and recreational programs before becoming head coach, bringing extensive expertise in gymnastics curriculum development and facility management.
Cathleen Church
General Manager
Cathleen leads organizational strategy with experience across nonprofit and sport sectors. Her background includes leadership roles in provincial sport organizations, focusing on operational efficiency and community engagement through gymnastics programming.
Brianna Rapanos
Recreational Coordinator
A former competitive gymnast with 8+ years at NGS, Brianna manages recreational programs. She emphasizes creating welcoming environments for skill development, combining personal athletic experience with coaching expertise to shape accessible community programs.
Anna Mataganova
Competitive Coach
Anna brings international expertise as a former USSR national team member and Kazakh national team coach. With a Master's in Sport and NCCP Level 3 certification, she evaluates coaches and choreographs routines while maintaining high-performance judging standards.
Trevor Nagy
Competitive Coach
A Nanaimo-born former Canadian national gymnast with 20+ years coaching experience, Trevor focuses on athlete development. His philosophy emphasizes enjoyment in skill acquisition while mentoring competitive athletes through technical progression and competition preparation.
Questions
What age groups do your programs serve?
We offer programs for children as young as 18 months through adult recreational classes, with competitive programs for school-age athletes.
Do you offer adaptive programs for special needs athletes?
Yes, we provide customized adaptive programs with specialized equipment and small instructor ratios for individuals with various needs.
How do I register for classes?
Registration occurs through our Uplifter online portal, with new session enrollments opening annually in September and April.
Are birthday parties available?
Birthday party bookings are temporarily suspended during facility renovations, with availability to resume in September 2025.
What competitive levels do you offer?
Our competitive programs include Intro Competitive (ages 5-8), Women's Artistic Gymnastics (ages 7+), and Xcel performance pathways.
Do you provide financial assistance options?
We partner with KidSport, Jumpstart, and Athletics for Kids to help families access funding for program participation and equipment costs.
Reviews (6)
Bc Food Adventures
Nov 03, 2021
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My daughter and wife is enjoying their tots and parent class. The staff, instructor, and facility are great too!
Ali White
Sep 18, 2021
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Qualified and experienced coaches who are also supportive, caring and safety-conscious in both the recreational and competitive programs. Love the intentional focus on having fun while developing physical literacy. Great central location. My family highly recommends NGS!!!
Venus StMarie
Nov 29, 2020
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My daughter had a birthday party here and it was so much fun. The instructor's name was Laz and he blew us away. Shortly into the class he already remembered every child's name, and was so calm and kind with the large amount of young children. I've met many adults who don't have the skill of addressing a child by their name like that. Or the skill of redirecting the youngest ones. Great job!
Ali White
May 27, 2020
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NGS is an amazing gym that values the whole athlete and has well-trained, effective, and thoughtful coaches. It is a second home for our daughter, and she loves her NGS family!
Dean Derkson
Nov 29, 2019
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My son attended a birthday party here. How awesome. Rope climb, rings, foam pit, balance beam... The staff were very friendly too
Wendy Lynn
Jan 22, 2019
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If zero stars were possible, that is what this club deserves. Probably the worst in Canada. Opposite of professional. Rude. No accountability. Harmful to children. Other clubs in the area offer better, more supportive programs in a much friendlier and professional environment. Avoid if possible.
