Background
Brandon is home to the Brandon Eagles Gymnastics Centre. The centre has come a long way from its humble beginnings since it officially opened as a non-profit organization on April 14, 1980. More than 30 years later, they are home to not only Provincial Team athletes, but can also claim that they have had three High Performance and two National Team gymnasts as well!
The gymnastics centre is located at 1030 22nd Street, just up the street from Meadows Elementary School. Here is a map:
There are many aspects to gymnastics. In artistic gymnastics, women do four apparatus: vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor exercise; men do vault and floor as well as parallel bars, high bar, pommels and rings! Power tumbling, double mini tramp and rhythmic are the other sports encompassed under the large umbrella that is called gymnastics. Although they use trampoline and power tumbling apparatus, they mainly work on the artistic gymnastics aspect of the sport.
Not sure what gymnastics looks like?
Check out this You tube video of Brandon Eagles’ very own Isabela Onyshko competing at an international event in November 2013!
Programs
Even though the majority of their 400+ membership at Eagles are involved in instructional programs, they offer a very successful Regional, Provincial and National level competitive program.
The following instructional classes are offered by the Brandon Eagles Gymnastic Centre. As a member in good standing with the Manitoba Gymnastics Association (MGA), they meet the basic requirements for staffing and class size.
|
Program |
Details |
Age |
Gender |
Parent Participation Required |
|
Tumble Bugs |
|
Walking to 3½ years |
Boys and Girls |
Yes |
|
Tumble Tots |
These programs provide group activities and individual exploration of apparatus and as well as social interaction.
|
3 to 4½ years |
Boys and Girls |
No |
|
Super Tots |
Instructor directed activities including fundamental movement and basic gymnastics skills; using bars, beams, Tumbl Trak© and other age appropriate equipment. |
4 to 5½ years |
Boys and Girls |
No |
|
Girls in Action |
More time on the apparatus, more skill development and a whole lot more ‘fun’. Classes are divided by age and ability where possible.
|
5 to 8½ years |
Girls only |
No |
|
Gym Gents |
Learn the basics of gymnastics while trying out all the cool equipment.
|
5 to 8 years |
Boys only |
No |
|
Just for Fun
|
|
8 – 12 years |
Girls only |
No |
Eagles Development Programs
The Eagles development program at the Brandon Gymnastics Centre is for girls only and is by invitation. There are three levels of the Eagles Development program:
- Advanced Gymnastics - A program for the physical preparation of all basic gymnastic skills leading to Regional Beginner Team.
- Tumblers & Twisters - A program for the physical preparation of all basic gymnastic skills leading to Hopes.
- Hopes - A program to develop young gymnasts physically and mentally for competitive gymnastics at any level.
Competitive Gymnastics
The competitive programs at the Brandon Gymnastics Centre are by invitation only and consist of three team levels. Team members must possess a desire to achieve, improve and perform to the best of their abilities. A team bodysuit and tracksuit may be required. The following are the three team levels:
- Regional Stream Team Programs (Girls & Boys)– These team programs include Regional Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Provincial 2 “A”. The program is a maximum of 6 hours per week allowing the gymnast to pursue other activities. Travel throughout the Province is required.
- Provincial Stream Team Programs – These team programs include Provincial levels 1 to 5. This program is designed to gradually progress from the beginner competitive gymnast through to the gymnasts who may aspire to become a part of Manitoba’s Provincial Team. Travel out-of-province may be required.
- National Stream Program - Gymnasts in this stream have made gymnastics their sport of choice.
Fees
Fees vary by level. See the Brandon Eagles Gymnastics Centre website for a current list of fees & times for the programs.
Time Commitment
Time commitment increases as a gymnast progresses from instructional to competitive gymnastics. The youngest participants spend 45 minutes per week increasing in time as the children go through their levels.
For more information, contact the Brandon Eagles Gymnastics Centre @ (204) 728-0554, visit their website, find them on Face book or e-mail the office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Other interesting gymnastics websites:
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