Salta Gymnastics Newsletter June 2015 Recreational Last day of classes for recreational athletes is June 29 Bring a Buddy Day is scheduled for the last week of classes (June 23 - 29). 3 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT MY DAD... 1. He carries me on his shoulders when I am tired of walking or when I just want a better view of the world. 2. He has a good memory… whenever we can‛t find the TV remote, dad always knows where he put it down last. 3. He has a good sense of direction… whenever we go somewhere, he doesn‛t need to consult others for advice. Inside this issue: Recreational Programs 1 Indoor Playground 2 Women's Competitive 3 Men's Competitive 4 Board Update 4 Staff Profiles 5-6 Summer Camps 7 Upcoming Events 8 Fundraising 8 2 Indoor Playground Fees: JULY & AUGUST $5.00 per child or $25.00 punch card (5 + 1 free play) AGES 0-5 years $2.00 per sibling Monday – 5:30-7:00 p.m. $35.00 – sibling punch card – 2 siblings (5 + 1 free play) There is no charge for babies under 12 months unless walking. First-time visit only pay drop in Fee as above. Wednesday – 10:00-11:30 a.m. Annual Alberta Gymnastics Federation Insurance: $30.00 This fee is paid one time per child, per year (July 1June 30) . On the day of the insurance payment... the play session is included for free! S O SPONSOR B R O N Z E SPONSOR R EN S O S 3 W i n n e r for Best Beach Costume W o m e n 's C o m p e t i t i v e 4 M e n 's C o m p e t i t i v e The final competition of the year for our boys was at the Gymtastics Hollywood Classic. It was another successful competition for Salta athletes and a strong finish for the 2014-15 Season. We wish to recognize all of these athletes and their families as they have represented Salta with excellence throughout this year's competitions. We are currently in the midst of change as our Men's Head Coach has resigned. We wish Randy McMullen well in his new pursuits. Following Randy's resignation from Salta, we have posted an advertisement for a new men's head coach. We will continue to keep you informed with updates on the progress of this recruitment plan. Board Update As we head into the summer season and wind down regular gymnastics training, it is time to reflect on a very dynamic year at Salta. From the record numbers of participants in the recreational program to the accomplishments of the competitive athletes; we have plenty to be pleased with. Every season of gymnastics brings new highs along with new challenges. In particular, with the beautiful expanded facility and new equipment at Salta comes a challenge to develop programming and staffing levels to provide high quality programs. With your continued support, Salta will continue to be a place where children learn more than how to be physically competent. They will also develop social skills, selfconfidence and the ability to challenge themselves with new skills. We thank you for your patronage and support. I encourage you to look into the many Summer Camp experiences that Salta offers. This is an excellent program to keep your children engaged in physical development and social interaction during the summer. Our new back play area will be completed shortly and will be ready for the children to play in the sand. Lastly, this will be the last newsletter of the year. I would like to thank our editor, Suzanne O’Connell for envisioning and developing this effective communication tool for our club during the past three years. We wish you a safe and enjoyable summer season. Kevin O’Connell 5 Salta Profiles OUR STAFF How did you first become involved in gymnastics at Salta? My oldest daughter, Samantha, joined the competitive program about 7 years ago. Being a parent of a competitive gymnast you spend a lot of time at the gym. My other two had participated in the recreational program and my youngest little man Kristopher joined pre competitive about 2 or 3 years ago. I was on the board for many years and when the position opened I thought it was a good fit, as everyone at the gym knew my kids, and I understood some of the way things operated. What qualities does a person need to work at Salta Gymnastics? I think the most important quality is being positive and energetic. You have to care about the families and be there to help them. I think a love of children is also important, which mean an asset of patience and understanding is also a beneficial quality. SANDI JAMIESON What is your favorite part of your job? My favorite part of my job is the fact I get to enjoy the children. I get many hugs and love to see them excited as they learn new things. I am fortunate enough that I am able to enjoy my own children as well while I work, what could be a better balance than that? Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Probably “I’m Sorry” I am definitely working on that one. I think the phrase I use the most is “Thank you for calling Salta Gymnastics, Sandi speaking” but seriously probably the most used phrase would be “no worries” What is your idea of perfect happiness? I think for me perfect happiness is being able to provide my children with all they dream, and anything to help them to achieve their goals in a positive way. Family is the most important and like everyone, I am sure, to have no financial worry would help to provide more opportunity to share amazing experiences with my children. What do you most value in your friends? Honestly, and kindness. I know that my friends are supportive and would do anything to help me, and they know I would do the same. I cherish the laughter and positive environment friends surround me with everyday. Who do you most admire and why? I think the person I admire the most would be my daughter Samantha. She is the most mature and supportive sister, friend and daughter. She is mature beyond her years, and so loving and kind with people of all ages. Her sense of organization and responsibility is something I could learn from. Her strength through her training, and trials in her life will always amaze me and I hope that I can continue to provide a supportive loving environment to nurture this and see it continue into adulthood. 6 Salta Profiles OUR STAFF Farewell Sydney It is difficult for me to describe the lessons I have learned from a sport I have spent nearly my entire life being a part of. Throughout my journey I have had the opportunity to experience recreational gymnastics both as a gymnast and a coach. The majority of my time spent at Salta however, was in the competitive program. For approximately 10 years, I competed with the Salta competitive team before retiring at age 17. For the past 3 years I have shared my passion for the sport through coaching. I have worked to develop athletes to a competitive and pre-competitive level. My experiences have provided me with numerous memories that I will carry with me forever. Just a few of my memories as a gymnast include; winning my very first medal (gold on beam), scoring my first 13.00, hiding underwear in a fellow teammate’s grip bag, various trips to Alberta Winter Games, Eva convincing me to try a back tuck just shortly after having my halo removed, and of course the unconditional love and support I received from my gym family after breaking my neck. SYDNEY CARLSON As a coach, some lessons I have learned include: * patience…lots of patience * the best way to end a long week of training is always with a foam fight * sometimes the best way to communicate with children is to act like one * hugs are mandatory * all goals are achievable * and the number 1 rule in gymnastics & life is to have fun! Although it is bittersweet to say goodbye to a club and sport that has given me so much, I am confident that I have developed many skills that will be valuable in my future. I now move forward into my last two years of nursing school and am currently considering a career in pediatrics. Thank you to each and every person that has made this journey unforgettable. Also, a huge thanks to Eva for being the best second mom ever. Sydney t mme mn stics mps E E g s i e ee ee este n de c ee i c s ee vivo ee e t tdoo s po ts ee E g g g g st st st st ee ee EE m pm m pm pm ec e pm m ost c e ee pm ee ddition costs to cove ie d t ips m eet ne iends nd e n ne s i s c mps inc de g mn stics t mpo ine eve d egiste on ine o in pe son so e e i ed Indoor playground summer hours will be Monday 5:30 -7:00 pm & Wednesday 10:00 -11:30am Teen/Adult will be Monday 7:15 -8:15pm 8 UPCOMING EVENTS FUNDRAISING Please pick up your orders at Salta Gym after 4:00 pm on Thursday, June 18, 2015 Casino On June 18 &19, Salta is scheduled to work the casino at Medicine Hat Lodge. The schedule of shifts and familie is posted on the bulletin board near reception desk. Contact Lori at 403-528-0530 or email lsiedlecki@hotmail.com for more information. Salta Gymnastics Club 528 18 Street SW Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A-8A7 Phone: 403-526-2900 Fax: 403-529-4675 www.saltagym.com salta_gym@hotmail.com www.facebook.com/SaltaGymnasticsClub To be added to our newsletter list or to remove your email from our d-list; please contact: saltagymnasticssurvey@gmail.com Emails are kept private & never shared with a third party. Thank-You I appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with the staff, families & children at Salta Gymnastics. I enjoyed sharing your stories and pictures through our monthly newsletter. I hope this newsletter was a good resource for important information. Lastly, I hope you felt connected to a community "spring boarded" by gymnastics and all of the positive aspects that sport brings. Suzanne O'Connell