It’s hard to believe that’s it’s been over two years since a competitive gymnastics meet was last held in Orléans. Like many other minor sports events, competitive gymnastic meets have been on a hiatus since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last weekend, the Club de gymnastique Les Sittelles played host to more than 100 gymnasts from across Ottawa and as far away as Thunder Bay and Kingston who took part in ENVOL 2022.
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| Level 9 over 15 all-around champion Amanda Springate is flanked by Rachael Peck (left) from Trillium Gymnastics and Demeter Riedmueller (right) from the Ottawa Gymnastics Centre. FRED SHERWIN PHOTO |
The gymnasts, age 11-15, competed on floor, balance beam, vault and uneven bars at six different levels based on their ability and skill.
All of the competitors had to show proof of vaccination against the COVID-19 virus, and several opted to wear face masks during their routines even though they’ve been deemed optional in competition by Gymnastics Ontario.
Besides Les Sittelles, among the clubs represented at the meet were the Tumblers Gymnastic Centre in Orléans, the TRYumph Gym in Gloucester, the Nepean Corona School of Gymnastics, the Kanata Gymno-sphere, the Ottawa Gymnastics Centre, Trillium Gymnastics in Kingston, Ultimate Gymnastics in Thunder Bay and North Bay Apollo Gymnastics.
Amanda Springate led the way for the host club, winning the all-around title in the Level 9, 15 and over division after claiming first place in beam, floor and uneven bars to go along with a second place result on vault.
Three other Les Sittelles gymnast placed third in the all-around competition:
- Catherine Venne, placed third overall in the Level 2, 11-year-old age group thanks in large part to a first place result on the uneven bars.
- Lili-Jade Coté placed second overall in the Level 2, 10-year-old age group after placing second on floor and uneven bars and third on vault and beam.
- Elodie Philips placed first on beam and third overall in the Level 2, nine-year-old age group.
- Chelsea Jocelyn, placed second overall in the Level 6, 11-year-old age group after placing first on both vault and floor.
- Holly Ray-Simard placed first on beam and second overall in the Level 6, 12-year-old age group.
- Noëmi Fortin placed third all-round in the Level 6, 15 and over age group thanks to a trio of second place result on vault, floor and uneven bars. The only blemish on her scorecard was a sixth place results on beam.
- Maia Ford placed third overall in the Level 6, 13-B age group after placing second on vault and beam, and
- Aurelle Brisson placed third overall in the Level 8, 14- and 15-year-old age group that included a first place result on beam.
KARAOAKE NIGHT at the Stray Dog Brewing Company, 501 Lacolle Way. Come sing your heart out with old and new friends, and enjoy some cold beers, delicious snacks with a side of good times! Music starts at 9 p.m.
TRIVIA NIGHT from 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday night at the Royal Oak Pub Orléans. Free to play. Prizes for the winning team! The Royal Oak Pub is located at 1981 St. Joseph Blvd. near Jeanne d'Arc. For more info visit 
TRIVIA NIGHT from 6:30 p.m. at the Stray Dog Brewing Company. Exercise your grey matter before it turns to mush over the holidays. Reservations are a must to secure your spot. Send your team name and number of people to info@straydogbrewing.ca. The Stray Dog Brewing Company is located at 501 Lacolle Way in the Taylor Creek Business Park.
QUEENSWOOD HEIGHTS WINTER FESTIVAL from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Queenswood Ridge Park, 346 Kennedy Lane East. Sledding and snow-based games at St. Helen's Anglican Church. Face painting, skating and free hot chocolate. Presente by the Queenswood Heights Community Association.
FÊTE FRISSONS celebration at the Shenkman Arts Centre from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring art and dance workshops, demonstrations and performances. Fun for the whole family. For more info visit 
