Panthers Gymnastics is a non-profit organization whose mandate is to provide gymnastics and trampoline instruction to children of all ages. We strive to support child development and active healthy living through involvement in sport and foster self-confidence, pride and perseverance in everything they do.
The club is committed to the belief that gymnasts can best be supported through a full spectrum of introductory and development programs. We offer a variety of programs from tiny tots and pre-school all the way to recreational and competitive programs at the regional, provincial and national levels.
We believe that children involved in sports including gymnastics, are more likely to avoid trouble, score higher on achievement tests, stay in school, have greater self-esteem and live a healthier lifestyle. At Panthers our children not only learn motor development skills, but also interpersonal relationship skills, discipline, determination, commitment, teamwork, humility and leadership skills that will last them a life time.
History
Panthers Gymnastics Club was formed in 1966 as a parent-run organization operating out of gymnasiums and community clubs in the St. Boniface community. In 1990 we moved to our current permanent facility and have undergone two expansions over the years to be able to continue to grow and offer state of the art equipment to our members. We continue to provide high quality gymnastics programs to children from all over Winnipeg and the surrounding rural regions.
Over the years Panthers has had members on the Canadian Olympic Team, World Team, Commonwealth Team and representing Canada at a variety of International Events. We have regularly produced high performance athletes and had multiple members on Team Manitoba going to Westerns and Nationals yearly. Many alumni went on to receive full scholarships to NCAA Universities in the USA and have gone on to compete at high levels in other sports after retiring from gymnastics.
1966
In 1966, the Panthers started in the Norwood-St. Boniface area of Winnipeg under the guidance of Mrs. Ingrid Pichette. They were named the Purple Panthers.
1979
By 1979, the club had grown and it became obvious that to develop further, they needed a permanent facility. Warehouse space was found, rented and transformed into a gymnasium.
1980
In 1980, a contest was held to find a logo for the club. Debbie McDowell won the contest. Her drawing consisted of a paw print formed of 4 filled circles. The four circles represent the four events in artistic gymnastics. The large circle represents the floor and the other 3 smaller ones the bars, the beam and finally the vault.
1988
In 1988, Lynette Wittmeier was named on the Canadian Team for the Seoul Olympic Games.
1990
December of 1990 saw a great stepping stone in the history of the Panthers and gymnastics in Manitoba. The club purchased its own building – a 12,000 sq.ft.facility – our current facility!
1991
In August, 1991, this new facility became operational. The gymnasium had many built-in safety features including two in-ground trampolines and two huge foam filled pits.
1997
In 1997 Katie McAvoy, Represented Canada at World Championships in Lausanne, Switzerland.
1999
In 1999, all seven of the athletes who represented Manitoba at Canada Winter Games in Cornerbrook, Newfoundland, came from Panthers Gymnastics Club. This result was a first in Manitoba and probably in Canada!
2006
In 2006, Panthers Gymnastics celebrated 40 years of excellence and services in the community.
2010
In 2010 Gabrielle May was named to the Canadian Team for the XIX Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India. The Team came 3rd and Gabrielle brought back a second Bronze medal for her splendid performance during Vault Finals.
