Community Building Fund Helps Gymnastics Energy Recover from COVID Impacts
St. Catharines, ON – In 2021, Gymnastics Energy Training Center received a $100,000 grant from the Government of Ontario’s Community Building Fund – Operating stream. These funds, delivered by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, are supporting the gym’s basic operations as it rebuilds its recreational program following the disruptions of the past two years.
“During this pandemic we have been clear, we need more support for the non-profits that have been hit hardest and often had to shut down with little notice,” said Jennie Stevens, MPP for St. Catharines. “Gymnastics Energy is a community hub for sport and gymnastics in this region and I am so happy to see funding go to the incredible efforts there. This provincial funding will help us ensure that even more people can enjoy their incredible work for years to come. This is a welcomed investment in St. Catharines.”
COVID restrictions and lockdowns have severely impacted the gym’s revenue and participation levels. Based on experience and community interest, enrolment in recreational and competitive programs is expected to return to normal levels once pandemic restrictions are lifted. But in the meantime, despite reduced revenue, the gym has had to maintain its facility, maintain relationships with its athletes, and ensure coaches are ready to return as soon as possible.
This Community Building Fund grant supports the gym’s fixed costs and lets the organization use registration fees to pay for more flexible costs associated with running its programs during the pandemic. As enrollment returns to normal levels, the gym will generate enough revenue to cover all expenses once again. Gymnastics Energy Training Centre has skilled coaches, a good reputation in the community, and a modern facility – all of which positions the organization for a bright future.
“The impact of this Community Building Fund grant was emotional,” said Stacey Tallman, Board Member of Gymnastics Energy. “This grant has allowed the organization to recover economically from the strenuous past few years we have all endured. Funding our most basic needs for a period of a few months has allowed us to breathe and direct our energy on rebuilding a thriving Gymnastics Club.”
About Gymnastics Energy Training Centre
Our Mission: Gymnastics Energy is a supportive community empowering athlete to focus on their health, wellness, and personal growth for life through the sport of gymnastics.
Our Vision: To lead and provide expertise in the sport of gymnastics both in Niagara and provincially through the education, training and development of athletes, coaches, and inclusive programming.
Our Values: We are inclusive, supportive, dynamic. We are resilient, committed & competitive. Together we celebrate our successes and grow from our challenges.
Please visit our website: www.gymnastics.energy
About the Ontario Trillium Foundation
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. Last year, nearly $112M was invested into 1,384 community projects and partnerships to build healthy and vibrant communities and strengthen the impact of Ontario’s non‐profit sector. In 2020/21, OTF supported Ontario’s economic recovery by helping non‐profit organizations rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID‐19. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
Organization Contact for Media Inquiries:
Stacey Tallman – Board of Directors, Gymnastics Energy Training Center
(905) 685-9248 | stacey.gymenergy@gmail.com