On Sunday, October 23^rd, club representatives from across the province gathered at the Vancouver Hilton; Metrotown to carry out the annual review of the business activities and accomplishments of Gymnastics BC (GymBC). Members participated both in-person and virtually, via video link, to accept the annual report, audited financial statements and to elect representatives for positions on the board of directors. GymBC received one nomination from members for the two available vacancies on the board, and as such, Jennifer Lyster was voted in for her second term by acclamation.

GymBC is pleased to announce its 2022-23 Board of Directors: Jennifer Lyster (Chair), Mary Morice (Vice-Chair), Vivien Chow (Director of Finance*), Chantelle Yates (Director at Large), Jesse Jakins (WTC Chair), Michael J Hood (MTC Chair), Megan Conway (TG Chair), and Jayleen Sideritsch (GFA Chair).
* Term Extended.

Members were also asked to consider a new membership fee structure that was developed over the past year by a working group composed of member club representatives. A recommendation to impose an incremental increase in select registration categories while reducing the annual fees in other areas, aimed to improve the overall balance in the distribution of costs associated with providing services to members. Beginning in September 2023, a three-year plan was accepted by the members in which fees collected are applied to general liability and sport accident insurance coverage costs, support operational overhead expenses and invest in programming or membership initiatives across all gymnastics disciplines.

Nigel Loring, CEO,  presented members with an update on GymBC’s strategic plan, which has been in place since February 2021. Significant progress has been made in each of the five pillars of the plan which includes a total of 31 initiatives. Overall, 94% of these initiatives are ongoing and some have already been completed. The plan was initially developed to span from 2020 through 2024, however COVID-19  delayed the roll-out and as the focus for the first 18 months pivoted to prioritizing initiatives that directly supported clubs, athletes and coaches navigate the unpredictable pandemic landscape and focused on a safe; return to sport. Looking a-head, Loring outlined a number of active projects including a reimagined; online resource hub with useful tools for club operations, the continuation of the Sport Safety Officer club visits throughout the province, a new coach and judge mentorship pilot program, an update to the GymBC screening policy, and a Technical Committee review (last completed in 2015).

GymBC membership rebounded to over 41,000 individuals last year, and the new membership year, which began on September 1, is on track to making a full recovery from the disruption caused by the pandemic. GymBC looks forward to a busy but productive and rewarding year ahead for all members and stakeholders.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2022 AGM and best wishes for a successful year ahead.

For more information on the Annual Report, please contact communications@gymbc.org