About Us

Our History

In September 1972, the University of Alberta’s athletic division announced the formation of a competitive gymnastics team. The team was to be for boys and girls, ages 10 to 16 - The Bounders Gymnastics Club. 

In 1976 Edmonton became home to a second gymnastics club: The Edmonton Society for Gymnastics Fitness or Gym-Fit, as they would become known.  Soon after Gym-Fit’s establishment, the 2 Edmonton gymnastics clubs decided to combine their efforts to increase gymnastics excellence in Edmonton.  In 1979, Gym-Fit and Bounders successfully obtained a one-year lease for the Ortona Armoury, which was located at 101 Street and 97 Avenue in Edmonton Alberta. 

Amalgamation of the 2 clubs followed in September 1980 under the name The Bounder/Gym-Fit Club. But by November 7, 1980, the name officially changed to The Ortona Gymnastics Club.

Due to rising costs, a new venue was sought, and in March 1988, the bubble took shape and housed Ortona for the next 23 years.

In the summer of 2011, Ortona Gymnastics Club returned to University of Alberta as a partner of the GO Community   Centre (GCC) at the Saville Community Sports Centre after ‘The Bubble’ was finally ‘popped’ in September of that year. 

Through our continued dedication to gymnastics and healthy lifelong fitness, Ortona continues to be Edmonton’s premier gymnastics club and a leader in the gymnastics community.

How does the Board operate?

• The model at OGC is that of a ‘Governance’ Model.
• The Board of Directors is to act as the trustee and steward of the organization, on behalf of the members.
• The Board is not a ‘Working’ Board, in that the day to day operations are carried out by the OGC, with oversight from the Board.

What is the structure of the Board?

• The Board is currently comprised of eight (8) Directors. There are four Executive Members and four Members at Large. All members are volunteers.
• The President serves as the Chairperson and may assign a delegate as required.
• The President is an honourary member of each Sub Committee.

What role does a Board member have?

• Their role is to utilize their background and expertise to ensure that Ortona Gymnastics Club (OGC) is, in a strategic sense, “doing the right things”.
• With an experienced and dedicated staff handling the operational aspects of the OGC’s activities, the Board of Directors is not involved in the day-to-day operations of the Club.

What are the benefits to becoming a Board member?

• Offers the opportunity to influence the direction of the Ortona Gymnastics Club.
• Allows exposure to the full spectrum of gymnastics’ issues and ideas.
• Involvement in determining OGC’s priorities and goals.
• Experience in policy development and organizational governance.
• An opportunity to enhance your leadership and communication skills.

How much of a commitment would I have to make?

• To attend bi-monthly board meetings on Wednesday evenings plus the Annual General Meeting (October).
• To serve on any of the various Sub Committees, which should not exceed 5-10 hours per month.

What are the term lengths of Board Members?

• Executive Directors are elected for a two (2) year term.
• Members at Large are elected for a one (1) year term.

Are there financial benefits to being a Board Member?

• The positions are voluntary. However, Members may be reimbursed for expenses incurred in carrying out Board duties.

Who is eligible for election?

• Individual members in good standing, or members of the public.

When are the Elections held?

• At the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the OGC in October of each year.

When do the positions become effective?

• Positions become effective immediately following the close of the Annual General Meeting.

What steps do I take to join the Board?

• You must be nominated by submitting a Nomination Form to the OGC office approximately 3 weeks (minimum) prior to the AGM. Nomination forms can be obtained from the front desk, or on the Team Blog, under “Governance – Club Policies”.
• The current President of the OGC Board of Directors will ensure that each nominee is eligible and willing to accept the duties of a Board member (if elected) in accordance with the by-laws.
• Meet with a current Board member to get an overview of the Board and the responsibilities required, before the AGM. 
• The list of nominees will be included in the AGM package, unless nominated after the packages have been produced and assembled.

Where can I get more information?

• Any questions about Board roles and responsibilities can be directed to the President of the OGC Board of Directors (ogc.bod.pres@ortonagymnastics.com)

Territorial Acknowledgement

Saville Sports Centre is a facility owned by the University of Alberta. The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs, and research stations are primarily located on the traditional territory of Cree, Blackfoot, Métis, Nakota Sioux, Iroquois, Dene, and Ojibway/Saulteaux/Anishinaabe nations; lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7, and 8 and homeland of the Métis. Ortona Gymnastics as part of the Saville Sports Centre, respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems, and cultures of First Nations, Métis and Inuit nations.