MEDIA RELEASE: January 12, 2008

More Gymnastics Programs for Hamilton

FamiliesThanks to $63,000 OTF Grant

Mary Sellars (OTF), Don Marinacci, Ted McMeekin (MPP) Mary Sellars (OTF), Don Marinacci with some HGA gymnasts

Ancaster,ON - The Hamilton Gymnastic Academy (HGA) announced today that it will be expanding its gymnastics programming in the community, thanks to a $63,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). Ted McMeekin, MPP for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale, joined OTF representative Mary Sellars to congratulate the Academy on their success.

"This new funding, which encourages all ages to get active, will not only strengthen their mind and body but will impact them on many levels," said MPP McMeekin. "I am certain that this valued organization will continue to serve our community well."

The OTF grant will be used to fund a new staff position at HGA, enabling the club to focus on improving and expanding gymnastics programming for a diverse set of community members. Preschoolers, children, youth, adults, and families of the local community will all benefit from the increased gymnastics opportunities made available with the support.

"The Hamilton Gymnastic Academy would like to thank the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their generous grant", said Don Marinacci, Technical Director and Head Coach. "This funding will allow us to provide greater access to our facility for children and youth in the community . The Academy is excited to share our love of the sport and our goal is to provide greater resources to educators and other child centered organizations."

Established in 1981 by current Managing Director and Head Coach Don Marinacci, the Hamilton Gymnastic Academy has provided gymnastics programming, facilities, and both recreational and competitive training to gymnasts for over 25 years. The HGA has experienced tremendous growth over the recent years and now services over 1100 members. For more information, please visit www.hamiltongymnastics.ca.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario. For more than 25 years, it has supported the growth and vitality of communities across the province. OTF continues to strengthen the capacity of the volunteer sector through investments in community-based initiatives. For more information, please visit www.trilliumfoundation.org.

For more information, please contact:

Don Marinacci
Hamilton Gymnastic Academy
905-648-3308
hamiltongym@bellnet.ca