Delta Gymnastics is hosting teams from across the province this weekend for an ’80s-themed celebration of movement and inclusivity.
On May 4 and 5, Delta Gymnastics Society in collaboration with Gymnastics BC is hosting the 2024 BC Gymnaestrada, the largest annual recreational gymnastics event in the province.
The event will take place at at the Richmond Olympic Oval and consist of participant workshops on Saturday and “Back to the ’80s”-themed performances on Sunday.
“We are incredibly excited to co-host BC Gymnaestrada with Delta Gymnastics Society in 2024. We’ve planned a fun and exciting weekend for over 250 participants, and we can’t wait for the event weekend,” Taphatna Duncan, recreation program manager with Gymnastics BC, said in a press release.
Delta Gymnastics’ executive director, Richard Wischnewski, said the organization is “so excited to be hosting the provincial gymnaestrada this year, with teams from all over the province joining us at the Oval for the weekend.”
“Gymnaestrada is such an important aspect of the gymnastics umbrella, because anyone of any age or skill level can participate. Thanks to Gymnastics BC for being a supportive partner in planning this event and we are really looking forward to all the performances,” Wischnewski said in an emailed statement to the Reporter.
Gymnaestrada, or performance gymnastics, is a group-based discipline open to participants of all ages and skill levels that incorporates elements of dance, acrobatics and gymnastics (with or without apparatus) set to music, providing “the opportunity to celebrate movement and physical activity in a non-competitive, inclusive environment,” according to a press release promoting this weekend’s event.
“Gymnaestrada perfectly captures the essence of ‘Gymnastics for All’ (an ‘umbrella discipline’ covering all of Gymnastics BC’s non-competitive programs). It’s a great opportunity to showcase that there is a space for everyone within our wonderful sport. It brings me so much joy to be a part of that,” Duncan said.
Sunday’s performances are open to the public, with shows at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime). Tickets are $12 for adults, $7 for youth/seniors and free for kids under four, and available now at activitymessenger.com/p/J3euRxk. A limited number will also be available at the door.
The morning show will feature Island Rhythmic Gymnastics, Chimo Gymnastics, White Rock Gymnastics Athletics Society, Pemberton Gymnastics, Polarettes Gymnastics Club, Pacific Rim Gymnastics, South Cariboo Rhythmic, and Delta Gymnastics’ Senior (ages 11 and up) and Legends (ages 50+) teams.
Sunday afternoon’s show will include performances by Club Aviva, Britannia Gymnastics Club, Dreams Gymnastics, Illusions Rhythmic Gymnastics, Pacific Shore Gymnastics, Twisters Gymnastics, Gym Sense and Gymnastics’ Junior (7+ years) team.
