Gymnastics BC Statement to Member Clubs
May 12, 2022
Gymnastics BC (GymBC) has recently been informed of a civil lawsuit filed with the Supreme Court of British Columbia, in which we are named as a defendant, along with Gymnastics Canada and other provincial governing bodies.
The allegations we have been made aware of are very serious, and we take them as such. As leaders in Gymnastics, we are committed to providing a safe environment for members of our sport. GymBC is steadfast in our duty to foster a sport environment that is accessible, inclusive, respects our participants’ personal goals and is free from all forms of maltreatment.
The welfare of all participants in our sport is one of GymBC’s foremost considerations. In particular, the protection of athletes, who are vulnerable individuals, is the ongoing responsibility of each member of our community. GymBC, as a primarily youth-serving organization, recognizes that we hold a special position in the gymnastics community in BC, which includes a responsibility to develop and continually improve policies, procedures and standards that assist our members in achieving a safe sport environment.
In early 2020, we created a Safety Officer role which has since been filled full-time, allowing us to develop, learn, plan and educate our community on maintaining a Safe Sport environment for all. In June 2021, GymBC approved a new complaint management handbook. This policy suite includes behavioral expectations and standards for all members, and a detailed, confidential process for submitting complaints.
We believe that Safe Sport is a collective effort, and will continue to be vigilant in our work with internal and external sport partners. Above all, Safe Sport is about cultivating positive behaviors in sport, so that anyone and everyone can enjoy a meaningful, rewarding, and healthy sport experience.
If any member clubs or individuals are contacted by a member of the media, or asked to provide a comment on this matter, please feel free to direct all inquiries to Nigel Loring, CEO of Gymnastics BC, at nloring@gymbc.org.
Please do not hesitate to reach out should you have further questions or concerns.
Link to Gym BC Safe Sport Commitment: https://gymbc.org/gymnastics-bcs-safe-sport-commitment
