Gymnastics club gets a shot in the arm from Trillum

Nipissing MPP Monique Smith
News Release

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North Bay – On Friday, Hon. Monique Smith, MPP for Nipissing joined the North Bay Apollo Gymnastics Club to officially unveil new equipment thanks to a $48,900 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Thanks to the funding, the club has been able to improve access, safety and programming by installing portable wheelchair ramps, a new gym floor and new equipment. Joining MPP Smith to celebrate the great news at the open house and year end show was OTF representative, Carol Ann DiBartolomeo.

“I am delighted to join the Apollo Gymnastics Club to help celebrate this Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant,” Smith said. “This grant will help the Apollo Gymnastics Club be in a position to host upper level competitive meets, which will attract competitors and their families to the region and not only boost the profile of gymnastics but also of our community.”

This grant from the OTF has allowed for the replacement of equipment so it meets Gymnastics Ontario competition standards. The funding has also helped to replace a warped balance beam, an old trampoline bed and large activity blocks used extensively by recreational athletes and for competitive training. The placement of portable ramps at the main entrance and at the gym floor entranceway will improve access helping to ensure all members of our community can participate the programs offered.

“This grant will allow Apollo Gymnastics to continue to deliver the high quality, safe, fun and health-centered programs we have become known for in North Bay,” said Club’s President Tammie McParland. ”We can now bid for upper level competitive meets, and hold recreational invitational meets which will help bring both exciting gymnastics to the public and tourist dollars to the city. The club is very thankful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for this generous funding.”

For almost 20 years, the North Bay Apollo Gymnastics Club has provided both recreational and competitive gymnastics to over 300 boys and girls, ages one year and up, from the local community through four sessions of recreational programs per year. The club also offers a year long competitive program for those five years and up; birthday parties throughout the year; Christmas, March Break and Summer day camps ;school electives and special class trips throughout the year which include special needs groups such as NADY, Community Living, New Horizon. The Club also provides complimentary passes each recreational session to Big Sisters and Big Brothers organizations and partners with Kidsport to offer reduced rates to families in need.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario. For over 25 years, the Foundation has supported the growth and vitality of communities across the province. OTF continues to strengthen the capacity of the volunteer sector through investments in community-based initiatives. For more information, please visit www.trilliumfoundation.org.

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