Gymnastics club in 1978

By C. Scott Holland

Until 1978, the Leamington Gymnastics Club had served its members solely as a venue to better themselves in that sport. But that year the club’s chief instructor, Kelly Whittal, decided that the youngsters would compete in two gymnastic meets. One was held in December and another in March the following year.

The events were qualifying rounds sanctioned by the Ontario Gymnastic Federation and Whittal said, “It will give the girls more to look forward to and give more meaning to their training.”

Previously the local club hardly required any added incentives to spark the interest of young girls. At that time though, the sport was surging in popularity thanks to international competition and the televised Olympic events. The local club, like others across the country and the world, reaped the benefits and grew.

Two of the 1978/79 gymnasts received awards at the Leamington Gymnastic Club’s annual open house and banquet. Kristi Corlett (left) was named the most improved and Sonja Derikx (second left) was the all-around best competitor. They were presented with awards by Essex South MP Bob Daudlin and club president Bonnie Malott.

– Photo courtesy of the C. Scott Holland collection

The Leamington club was offering fall sessions with September registrations and hoped to have over 100 participants. In 1977 the club had 110 youngsters take part in the club’s programs. During the summer of 1978, several girls wanted the extra practice so they could enter the upcoming competitions.

Like any other recreational program, its major problem was funding and club secretary Lorell Jones indicated that the club intended to restructure its rates. Some of its classes had been cancelled because of other programs being offered at the former Leamington arena auditorium. Set rates instead of fees were going to be implemented, as well as fundraising events to bolster the club’s financial situation.

In the future, the club would thrive when it eventually relocated to a former building used by the fair. The club renovated it and turned it into a suitable home until moving to the Kinsmen Complex.