There’s been some red tape to jump through and equipment to track down, but the Prince Rupert Gymnastics Association (PRGA) has finally been given the green light to go ahead with the brand new program.
A $7,212 donation by the Prince Rupert Lion’s Club helped PRGA overcome the last of their hurdles to begin their financing last week and classes are set to begin Sunday, Nov. 2, by allow them to purchase a 16-piece playland.
“We have a preliminary schedule, which is subject to change depending on the number of athletes in each category,” said the organization’s inaugural welcome statement.
The age divisions are divided into children aged three to four, another one for ages five to six, one for kids ages seven to eight, and the last being nine and over.
Sessions last for one hour, except the three to four category which is half an hour.
The first batch of classes will last five weeks with a month-long break occurring in December before sessions start back up in January of the new year.
Four coaches are preparing to lead the classes, with two already being B.C.-certified – Sara Barrow and Melissa Bishop, and two more having satisfactory credentials, but Ontario-based ones, and will need to go through B.C. procedures to be fully licenced in the province.
The club hopes to train additional coaches in Prince Rupert with Gymnastics BC as part of the National Coach Certification Program. Course offerings include artistic, rhythmic, acrobatic and aerobic gymnastics disciplines.
PRGA is also seeking volunteers for help with equipment set-up and fundraising.
The association’s application for provincial membership is being reviewed by the Gymnastics BC board this weekend, said PRGA executive board member Will Spat.
- With files from Martina Perry