The 2023 BC Gymnaestrada, co-hosted by Gymnastics BC and member club, White Rock Gymnastics Athletic Society, took place over the weekend at Trinity Western University in Langley. With the theme “It’s A Small World – Celebrating Diversity in Sport,” the event showcased the power of inclusivity, unity, and diversity through gymnastics. Gymnaestrada provides the opportunity to celebrate movement and physical activity in a non competitive environment, while capturing the true essence of the ‘Gymnastics for All’ and ‘Active for Life’ philosophies of sport and recreation.

Participating clubs from across the province added to the vibrant atmosphere of the Gymnaestrada. We extend our gratitude to all the clubs that dedicated their time and effort to join us this year. The participating clubs included Britannia Gymnastics Club, Club Aviva Recreation Ltd., Delta Gymnastics Society, Gym Sense Gymnastics Inc., Illusions Rhythmic Gymnastics, Kelowna Gymnastix, Nanaimo Gymnastics School, Pacific Rim Gymnastics, Quesnel Technics Gymnastics Club, TAG Sports Centre, Twisters Gymnastics Club, Ultra Rhythmics, VIP Gymsports, Whistler Gymnastics, and the co-host, White Rock Gymnastics Athletics Society.

The first day of the 2023 BC Gymnaestrada was packed with exciting workshops representing various world cultures. Participants engaged in activities such as Egyptian Belly dancing, African Drumming, Irish Dance, Indigenous Pow Wow, Pound Fitness, and Japanese Origami. The workshop presenters brought captivating energy and passion to the event, immersing everyone in a truly multicultural experience.

On the second day, the 2023 BC Gymnaestrada featured two performance shows that showcased the clubs’ creativity and dedication to this year’s theme. We saw performances based on traveling the world, different methods of transportation, strength, confidence, acceptance, and  diversity, friendships across borders, and more! The displays were nothing short of stunning, leaving the audience in awe of the gymnasts’ and their choreographers talent and hard work.

The success of the 2023 BC Gymnaestrada would not have been possible without the invaluable contributions of coaches, staff, workshop presenters, and volunteers. Their dedication and commitment ensured the smooth operation of the event and created an uplifting environment for all participants.

A special thank you goes out to the parents and spectators who cheered on the gymnasts, providing them with the encouragement and support they needed. Additionally, we express our gratitude to photographer Terry Sue for capturing the unforgettable moments of the 2023 BC Gymnaestrada. To order and purchase photos from the event, visit his website. Locate the events tab, and use the password that was sent out to participating clubs.

Lastly, our heartfelt appreciation goes to our co-host club, White Rock Gymnastics Athletic Society, for their outstanding collaboration and support throughout the event. We extend our congratulations and gratitude to the organizing committee from White Rock Gymnastics Athletic Society, consisting of Jen Olthoff, Heather Rodland, Kaitlynn Ellis, Jerrica Zabala, Joanne Morcilla-Pfeffer, Jenna McBain, and Carrie Campbell, whose hard work and dedication made the 2023 BC Gymnaestrada a resounding success.

The 2023 BC Gymnaestrada truly celebrated the beauty of diversity in sport, fostering friendships, and embracing the richness of different cultures through gymnastics.