DEER LAKE
Since 2000 the club has been leasing space in the town depot building on Gatehouse Road.
They have a lease that takes them to 2015. Town officials have determined they will need the space for their own operations, leaving the gymnastics club on the hunt for space.
Deer Lake Coun. Jean Young said a new multi-purpose centre could be on the agenda in the near future that may include not just gymnastics, but other sports.
“We would hope that it could be something we could look at down the road if we could find partners,” said Young.
“We’re supporting them just as we support other sports like minor hockey and figure skating, but it’s a big thing to have one area for just one specific group."
The club currently has about 165 members, some from as far away as Baie Verte and Rocky Harbour. B
efore 2000 it was setting up in local schools for meetings and training.
When it started attracting more members it signed a 15-year lease in the town depot building on Gatehouse Road, where it has been located since.
We would hope that it could be something we could look at down the road if we could find partners. - Deer Lake Coun. Jean Young
Head coach Mandi Coish said what happens after 2015 depends on funding.
“We’re looking at the possibility of some grant applications right now,” she said.
“We’re not really sure what to do; we’re either hoping to get some type of grant in a deal with the town or there’s always the possibility that we may have to go out on our own.”
She said currently there is no other space available, and a new facility may be a must if the club is able to continue.
For the equipment it uses, Coish said the club would need a location with as much height as space because of its use of high bars and springboards.
“We’ve never had to deal with this before,” she said. “But we’re not feeling bullied or forced to leave; we’re good until 2015.”She said the club’s current location is not very convenient.Council will meet with the gymnastics club’s members in mid-November.
Good Luck to Mandi and the rest of the Gracia Team! Gymnastics is more than a sport! It's a foundation for physical literacy and teaches children life skills in movement, body awareness, confidence etc. Research shows that gymnastics has a positive influence on all aspects of a child's life. Isn't it better that we have fit and happy children, youth and teens? Our obesity rates for children in Western Newfoundland is an embarassment and we need to keep our children moving and active. Good luck Gracia! Denise May President Saltos Gymnastics Club - Corner Brook