Editor's note: This is a copy of a letter to Tim Hoskin, recreation program manager for the District of Squamish. It was copied to The Chief for publication.
I am writing to give some feedback about the gymnastics/gymnaestrada program that ran this past winter/ spring. Wow! It blew my mind! The entire experience for these girls in Whistler this past weekend is by far the best I have ever registered any of my kids for - in or out of BPRC. And I could not speak more highly of Amanda Morris as she is the reason it was what it was.
From a skill development perspective: I am not sure I can accurately speak to this as I am not a gymnast; however, it appears to me that kids really learn and grow through this program which in turn builds confidence and a love of the sport. The routine was at least in the top five at the B.C. Gymnaestrada show in Whistler, I would say top three out of 19 but some might say I was biased. She maximized each girl's abilities; it was a total team event, and very entertaining.
The costumes were incredible. They again were one of the best looking teams. Please remember this is technically a provincial event: B.C. Gymnaestrada. A team from Calgary was there. Amanda absolutely did Squamish proud - the performance was awesome!
But there was something more that Amanda offered, something somewhat indescribable, you just can feel it and see it. She took those girls under her wings, and created memories for a lifetime. After the workshops, they had a "girls" weekend (not to say a boy could not have been included). They bonded through swimming, going to Bounce, doing each other's hair and painting nails. Then the T-shirt craft was genius!
My daughter, Lindsay, had opted out of BPRC gymnastics a few years ago to try the Whistler club instead, thinking that a permanent facility offered her a bit more in terms of skill development. Maybe it does - again, I don't really know these kinds of things. After being able to complete a full year of this gym program, Amanda offers something to the girls that money just can't buy. And we will be back next fall for sure.
Amanda was a big sister and a coach and a guardian of my child in whom I had total trust. I want you to toot her horn - loudly! She is very special. I ask that you continue to support her in offering and developing the gymnastics program. It would be wonderful to see some broader recognition of all her hard work and that of the girls at the B.C. Gymnaestrada show. I am not sure how that would be done - whether that be in your program guide or a poster at the rec centre or what but a huge accomplishment worthy to highlight. It was also very cool to see Florence with her granddaughters cheering on the team - another example of how committed these women are to their work.
Jennifer Larson
Brackendale
