Sioux Lookout Gymnastics Club holds annual Christmas Tree sale
Mike Lawrence - Staff Writer
The Sioux Lookout Gymnastics Club held its annual Christmas Tree sale last week and as Club President Dale McGill explained, things have improved for the club this year.
“Things are going well. They lifted the restrictions a few weeks after we started (this year), because originally, we were limited to 15 participants. Enrollment is now around 50 (kids), while normal would be 80 to 90.”
McGill feels the benefits of having children enrolled in gymnastics programs are many, stating, “I think with (the) last couple of years, and with COVID, just getting active and doing something rather than being stuck in your house… overall, the benefits are being physically active. Gymnastics will build strength for all other sports. You’re working on flexibility and strength, and the social aspect is good for the kids.”
Gymnastics Ontario’s Gym for All website (https://bit.ly/3cPhVp6) calls gymnastics a Foundation Sport, stating “Gymnastics is recognized by the International Olympic Committee as a Foundation Sport. Participation in gymnastics develops fundamental movement skills, physical and motor abilities, mental abilities, social and emotional abilities and performance skills that carry over into all aspects of life.” The website lists other benefits that include building friendships, inclusivity, fun, and confidence building.
McGill said of the Christmas Tree sale fundraiser, “We’ve cut our fundraising back to only doing the Christmas trees, just because it’s a lot of work for not much gain. We don’t get a lot out of (other fundraising). And the way we are set up with our fees, we are fairly sustainable without doing too much fundraising.” McGill continued, “Tree sales last year went well. We reduced our number of trees that we ordered, (previously) we usually got close to 200, but we reduced it to around 150 last year just because with COVID we weren’t sure what was going to happen, and it’s the same this year, 153 trees. Last year we sold them all, whereas in previous years we’d have some left over… which is not good when you’re trying to fundraise.”
McGill said the club has about 30 trees left, which will be sold outside the Rec Centre during the Christmas Craft Fair on Saturday.
Anyone wishing to learn more about the Sioux Lookout Gymnastics Club is encouraged to visit the club’s Facebook page at https://bit.ly/3nRoT31.
