Evelyn Koop recently visited Japan, invited as FIG Honorary Member to the 40th anniversary of Sakuko Ishizaki's founding of the College of Physical Education and the beginning of RG in Japan.

Evelyn Koop writes: "It was an overwhelming experience to be remembered as a mentor to another country! I was truly given the royal treatment during my stay there, the first two days in a luxury hotel and then two days of living Japanese style in the home of former Kalev coach, Yukiko Takahashi: sleeping on the floor, eating Japanese food (although the raw items were a bit difficult). And I was taken around to see the sights, e.g. the Fuji Mountain and the worlds largest Buddha statue.

In her speech, Mme. Ishizaki reminded me that I came to Japan to select gymnasts to perform at the opening of the Olympic Games in Montreal in 1976, and that she joined with my efforts (as a member of the FIG RG Technical committee) to get the sport into the Olympics. Also, that I, in taking the initiative to the "Four Continents" competition, made extra trips to Japan, a country that together with China and the US immediately committed to this event. It is hoped that the "Four Continents" can be revived, if it can be financed without FIG.

During the Gala celebrations, I was given a "thank you" medal and flowers, and stood in the spotlight for at least 10 minutes while being regaled by Mme. Ishizaki in the Japanese language - of which I didn't understand one word. Wonderful, but somewhat embarrassing.

I was pleased to be able to hand over to Mme. Ishizaki a lovely letter from Gymnastics Ontario." (See copy HERE.)

Following are some photos from the Gala celebrations.

The "Northern Lights" placed 7th of 23 teams from around the world in the final Challenge Cup in Moscow November 30th. Congratulations!

After the first day, Mariam C is in fourth place and going to the finals. The Senior Group got silver and is also going to the finals.
In the finals, Mariam continued to place well and got a bronze in clubs, and the group got silver in both routines!

The Kalev club placed 9th overall, which is a tremendous result, considering that this is a competition of the best clubs in the world. Our Seniors placed 19th (Mariam) and 31st (Karah), and our Junior, Patricia was third overall (second in Clubs) in the qualifying round, then won the silver medal in Ball and the bronze in Clubs. Congratulations all!

In the photo (left), Mme Sakuko Ishizaki with Svetlana Joukova, Mariam C. and Karah K.

At the Gymnastics Ontario Awards banquet, Oct. 1, Svetlana Joukova (on the right in the photo) received her award as "Coach of the year - High Performance"

Kalev's Mariam Chamilova placed 67th, contributing to Team Canada's 20th place after the individual all-around competition.

In the group competition, Kalev's Senior group = Canadian National Group, came in 17th place, ahead of USA and Brazil, the other groups from the Americas. This means that our group is now awaiting the continental wild card to the Olympics in London 2012!

Congratulations to all the girls and to their coach: Svetlana Joukova!

Our Senior group competed in the World Cup and placed 12th overall.

From the Gymnastics Ontario website:

"On Saturday, June 18, 2011 Gymnastics Canada held their Annual Achievement Gala in Ottawa, Ontario. Gymnastics Ontario would like to officially acknkowledge and congratulate the following recipients from Ontario:

2010 Athlete of the Year
Rhythmic Mariam Chamilova Kalev
Rhythmic Junior Patricia Bezzoubenko Kalev

2010 Coach of the Year
Rhythmic Svetlana Joukova Kalev"

Congratulations, everyone!

To celebrate a great year, Kalev members and friends gathered to a summer party with food, drink and gold pins. The pins were awarded to the members of "Rhythmic Expressions"and "Canadian", the two Kalev AGG teams that has brought Canadian AGG to a sixth position in the world through their incredible results at the AGG Worlds and several World Cup events!

Dear Parents,

We hope you and your child will enjoy your Kalev experience! To help you get started with us, we will give you the answers to some frequently asked questions.

Q: What are the costs of rhythmic gymnastics?
A: Not much, compared to many other sports! And, of course, the fees vary, depending on how involved your child is, i.e. how many hours she trains. It is also important that we register each gymnast with Gymnastics Ontario since we, like all other gymnastics clubs in the Province, carry insurance available through our Federation only. Although accidents are infrequent in rhythmic gymnastics, they do happen. The registration fees are payable upon registering your child with us.

Q: What should my child wear in the gym?
A: The Kalev uniform, socks or toe slippers - plus tights in the cold season.

Q: What is the Kalev uniform?
A: Our training uniform is a black sleeveless leotard with black tank top (or blue or black AGG tank top), plus black, foot-less tights. You don't need all this at first but the items should be purchased soon after classes begin.
Remember also, that your daughter's hair must be tied back, and that jewelry and make-up are not allowed. Make sure to leave any valuables at home!

Q: Why should they wear a uniform?
A: Because it does a lot for the discipline and feeling of belonging in the class. And if everyone is dressed alike, there is no need to buy or rent costumes for the spring show, the group already looks neat and ready for a show. Thus, there are no extra costs for any of the three annual shows!

Q: What are these shows and how much do they cost?
A: There are three shows per year and, or course, there is no cost for your daughter, the performer! For yourself, other relatives and friends, we do sell tickets to the Year-End show because this event is our only fund-raiser. In addition to the regular expenses for coaching, gym rental etc. we also need money for upkeep of the gym and purchase of equipment and this is how we can manage these expenses. There is no cost for the other two shows: the Parents' evenings at the end of each term.

Q: How about footwear?
A: Competitors and performance group members wear special toe-slippers. Others may choose to use socks instead.

Q: Do the children need warmer clothes in the winter?
A: The gym is usually warm enough, but for the first few minutes, until the body has been warmed up, we suggest that they use a T-shirt or sweat-shirt, maybe also a pair of foot-less tights.

Q: What about the apparatus?
A: The hand apparatus of rhythmic gymnastics (ball, rope, hoop and ribbon) are available at the gym so that your child can try them out. But since everyone performs at least twice a year, every gymnast needs her own apparatus. They are purchased centrally and your coach will let you know what items are needed for your child. She will also help decide the colours of balls and ribbons, to make sure the group retains the look of unity for performances. She will have an order form for you to complete. At present, the costs are $5 - 10 for a hoop, $15 or $20 for a ball and $20 for a recreational level ribbon with ribbon stick, $30 for competitive levels. You can buy a rope at hardware or climbing stores for a few cents a foot - the length needed depends on the your daughter's height - measure from one armpit, under the feet and up to the other armpit.
These items actually make great Christmas gifts, and remember that it is a good idea to get your own apparatus early, since you get used to the feel of them and thus learn to handle them faster. (About the ball: don't use it on other surfaces than the floor and carpets at gym and don't leave it in the car overnight in the winter, unless you wrap it in a plastic bag first!)

Q: What if we miss a class?
A: There is provision for make-up classes. If we have to cancel a class due to unforeseen circumstances, we will offer an extra class. If your child is unable to make it to a class, she can attend a training session of another group, at the same level, to make up the time.

Q: Will the training schedule change?
A: The schedule drawn up prior to registration is tentative, although based on experience from previous years. It may happen that a class is cancelled if there are not enough gymnasts. Or a clas, or an assistant coach, may have to be added if there are too many. Maximum is 7 - 10 gymnasts per coach, per class.
Schedules also depend on the preferences of the people who register. We try hard to avoid changes but some may, unfortunately, have to take place in the first few weeks of the season. But we will do our very best to accommodate you.

If a class is cancelled later in the year, we will notify you as soon as we have the information. Please make sure we have your home and work telephone numbers, including your cell phone number, email address, and maybe name and phone number of an emergency contact!

For other questions, feel free to talk to your coach before or after class, or call us at the office at (905) 889-7889.