BY SCOTT
HADDOW
For over 30 years, Lisa Kivinen has lived gymnastics and has
been a tireless crusader for the sport locally.
Recently, because of her extensive experience and knowledge in
the sport, Kivinen was elected to the Gymnastics Ontario Board
of Directors.
Kivinen began her career in gymnastics as an athlete and earned
numerous titles and awards including provincial club and OFSAA
champion.
After her successful run as an athlete, Kivinen turned her
sights on coaching, knowing it was the one way she could stay
involved in the sport, and have a positive impact on the lives
of young people.
Under her guidance, many local gymnasts reached new heights.
Currently, Kivinen coaches two national level power tumblers -
Jason Pelletier and Sylvain Bastien. They have both qualified
for provincial and national championships in 2007.
She has also acted as a judge for competitions and is a
National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) guest conductor.
Kivinen is ranked as a National Level coach in two disciplines
- women's artistic and power tumbling.
Kivinen's talents haven't just been utilized locally as she has
lent her expertise on the international stage. In 1994, Kivinen
helped coach and choreograph for the Guatemalan National
Team.
Kivinen is also dedicated to volunteer work in Greater Sudbury.
She's president of the City of Greater Sudbury Sport Council
and a member of the Board of Governors at Laurentian
University.
With 85,000 members competing in 200 clubs across the province,
Kivinen can't wait to fulfill her duties on the Ontario board,
and shed light on the challenges facing gymnasts in Sudbury and
around the north.
Recently, Kivinen took time out of her schedule to talk with
Northern Life sports reporter Scott Haddow about what the new
job entails and gymnastics in general.
SH: Being elected to this board, what does it mean to you?
LK: Gymnastics has been my love and passion for many years. I
was elected by my peers, other club presidents and coaches.
They elected me to represent them so I am honoured to have the
ability to participate at this level...to help guide, promote
and develop gymnastics in Ontario. I think I have a lot to
offer. It's only going to help gymnastics in Sudbury because
now I know the needs of the north will be heard at the
provincial level.
SH: What does this position entail for you?
LK: There will be a lot of policy and procedure and programming
for all the gymnastic disciplines - artistic, trampoline, power
tumbling, rhythmics, recreational, and sport aerobics. The main
goal is to make sure these programs can be developed, delivered
and offered to as many kids and youth in Ontario. We're always
trying to make gymnastics a growing sport.
SH: You stated by being elected to this board it can only help Sudbury. In what way?
LK: Our remoteness is one of our biggest challenges. Our needs
are being served here on a recreational level, but we have
issues competitively. We are geographically challenged...we're
always constantly having to travel to upgrade our coaches,
judges and athletes. The clubs and people down south don't
really realize how much of an issue it really is.
Now, by being on this board, I will make them more aware of our issues and, maybe, more competitions and judging expertise can be brought in locally. All the new trends and techniques and programs...I will be involved with right from the planning, building and implementation phases.
SH: You already give a lot of time though coaching, working and volunteering, how much will this new position affect you?
LK: All the meetings are in Toronto and it will take up more
time. Still, I am dedicated to this sport and want to be a
strong voice. I believe every child should have the opportunity
to do gymnastics. I have the opportunity at the provincial
level to improve the opportunities and quality. The time
commitment on my part is great, but I see the rewards as being
even greater.
SH: Engulfing yourself in this sport, what do you get out of it?
LK: Like any coach, I do this because I love the sport and want
to give back everyday. I started gymnastics after watching
Nadia Comaneci in the 1976 Olympic Games. (Comaneci won three
gold medals and was awarded a perfect score on the uneven
bars.) She was my inspiration to start gymnastics. I have loved
the sport since and still love it. The opportunities the sport
gave me to develop, not just as an athlete, but an individual
is something I've been able to carry with me my whole life. I
want to see as many kids get the same positive opportunities as
I did...that's why I keep doing this and why I will keep doing
it.
SH: Overall, how is the state of gymnastics in Sudbury and the surrounding area and at GymZone?
LK: It's grown completely. Our club has grown so much that our
new location (located at 1311 Gemmell), that we thought would
give us enough room for the next 10 to 15 years is now too
small. I am proud to say that. We started a satellite gym in
Valley East and it has also grown fast...we now have a waiting
list at that gym. As parents and children see how much fun
gymnastics is and the development advantages it gives, it's
only going to grow more here.
Gymnastics is the base sport for all sports. In Europe, it's the first sport kids learn. It improves dexterity, strength, balance and flexibility. When they go on from gymnastics, kids have a greater self-confidence that will make them more likely to try other sports. I love that I have a hand in that.
