As the Estevan Gymnastics Club gets ready to launch into a new season, local children are preparing to tumble, twist, and turn their way through a program that promises fun, fitness, and foundational skills.
“A lot of children join our program to learn basic movements, which helps them safely learn gymnastic skills. They have a lot of fun but also engage in workout-style activities,” said Mary Stubel, a coach with Estevan Gymnastics Club.
Recreational classes are run once a week, while the competitive team practices between one to three times a week. The program is open to children from two years old into their teens.
“Gymnastics is a great foundation for any sport or life in general. It teaches fundamental movements and skills, such as listening, standing in line, and following instructions,” Strubel said.
To join the competitive program, athletes must try out. The team trains throughout the fall and competes in the new year, often facing teams from Saskatoon, Regina, Yorkton, and Moose Jaw.
Athletes from other rural communities also join the Estevan team.
“We’re seeing athletes from as far as Carlyle coming to join our program. We’ve had quite a few people from the surrounding area drive in to participate in gymnastics,” she said.
Gymnastics are particularly popular among children aged two to 10, according to Stubel.
Registration is currently open for all classes except the competitive program.
“All our recreation classes have space open right now, so it’s the perfect time to register. Classes are slowly starting to fill up, but spots are still available,” Strubel said.
She noted that the best way to register is through the club’s registration page. The gymnastics club will also be at City-Wide Registration on August 28.