Who We Are

A brief timeline

Richmond Gymnastics Association was started in 1969 when two women, Shirley Bakaway and Judy Rithaler, had a vision: ‘Build it and they will come’. They saw a need for recreational gymnastics for girls and boys in Richmond. Their dream became a reality when the Thompson Community Center was established and required a program to keep children fit and active in the community. Starting with classes once a week, the club progressed and began to hold some competitive gymnastics classes at Burnett school. The program was so successful that the need for a full-time facility arose. With the help of committed individuals such as George Bodgt, Harvey and Laura Moore, and the Richmond Leisure Services, the RGA program was installed into the Sea Island Forum in the mid 70’s. 

After a few years, RGA found a new home in the SportsTown Complex on Westminster Highway and Number 5 Road in Richmond. The new facility on River Road is our latest home since 2016.  

RGA is a registered not-for-profit society incorporated under the BC Societies Act and governed by a volunteer board of directors. As a member of Gymnastics BC and Gymnastics Canada, RGA is regulated by the policies and rules laid out by these organizations.

 

What we do.

Our programs are led by certified coaches who understand the importance and concepts of physical literacy. Our coaches are committed to the well-rounded development of any participant which not only makes the participant a great athlete but also empowers them for a lifelong commitment to stay active, and become engaged, successful members of the society.

There is room for everyone in this sport. From the recreational/Gymnastics for All (GfA) participant (Active Start/Foundations) who participates for fun and a sense of achievement, to the competitive or high performance national/ international competitor who is drawn by the allure of a gold medal. (Advanced/competitive stream).

Why we do it.

We believe that a positive engagement in activities, especially in a sport, fosters a healthy individual which is a microcosm of a vibrant, robust community. 

  • We provide an environment of training because we know that everyone can find something meaningful and beneficial in the sport, regardless of their age, ability, or goals.

  • Gymnastics improves physical fitness, mental focus, and provides a valuable outlet for personal expression. 

The sport’s unique combination of grace, flexibility, agility, balance, power, and strength, along with its balance of artistry and acrobatics has earned it a place at the very forefront of the Olympic movement, since the first modern Games in 1896.

How we do it.

We engage with coaches who are educated, experienced, and certified in varied levels of the National Coaching Certificate program specific to gymnastics.

  • Many of our coaches have been competitive and recreational athletes themselves, therefore, they understand the fundamental movement skills and can apply their knowledge to teach engaged children to learn gymnastics skills and traits in the best possible way.

  • We teach discipline, perseverance, respect for self and peers, accountability, and the strive for personal excellence.

Whether your goal is leisure, physical fitness, or sporting glory, your goals are ours too. 

Vision, Mission and Values

Together, the vision, mission, and core values provide the foundation upon which the Association’s policies, strategies, priorities, and management is based.

Vision

Through gymnastics, continually inspire participation and promote lifelong wellbeing at physical, mental, emotional and social levels.

Mission

Through our diverse programs, develop, engage, and support participants at their levels of competence to either build on the fundamentals of physical literacy to stay active for life, or to compete successfully in the sport of gymnastics.

Values

Build friendship to achieve excellence and earn respect.

Friendship

Our belief in the positivity of engagement with the sport of gymnastics and the values it instills in participants drives us to

  • Foster the values of team-spirit and positive play by everybody involved

  • Be fair, sensitive, engaging, and non-judgemental in action and thought

  • Engage in effective, open, and transparent communication

Excellence

Our conviction to implement the value of forever striving for excellence inspires us to

  • Continually learn, improve, and sustain the development of all parties involved in the Association and the community at large

  • Be committed to engage with the community as a whole and contribute to a healthy, safe, and sustainable society

  • Provide an excellent training facility and equipment that will fuel success and engagement

Respect

Our focus on respect for everybody reminds us to

  • Provide inclusive, participant-centered programs irrespective of age, ability, or skill

  • Act with honesty, integrity, and responsibility and honor commitments

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