BY SCOTT
HADDOW
The original Jungle Gym Gymnastics Club in Azilda had really
outgrown itself.
Gymnasts, such as 12-year-old Ailyse Bazinet, used to have
to run down a hallway, around obstacles, through a set of doors
into the gym to build up enough speed to do her flips and
twists.
But now, the spry athlete smiles brightly when she looks at
the wide open spaces at the new Jungle Gym Gymnastics Club,
which opened in January  on Armstrong St.
Owners Anne-Marie and Frank Couture wanted to keep the
spirit of the old club alive when they moved into the new
7,500-square-foot building.
"The atmosphere is huge for us," said Anne-Marie. "We had
built a great environment in Azilda and brought it with us. We
wanted to keep the gym cozy, and we wanted a place where the
kids could have a lot of fun in a place that feels like home.
We also have a tremendous coaching staff, which is just as
important. They all have a great rapport with the kids."
The building itself stands out, with staggered walls to
maximize space.
"Our lot is pie-shaped," said Frank. "The walls are
staggered so we can utilize all the space on the property and
give the most space possible indoors for the kids. It's a big
difference over our old club.
A 40-foot tumble track is the centrepiece of the new
facility.
"It's a great learning tool for tumbling," said Anne-Marie.
"Gymnasts can do a lot of repetitions without all the stress on
their joints from constant impact...and without fear of getting
hurt. Our tumbling track is, maybe, the only one of its kind in
Northern Ontario."
With space to run freely and brand new equipment, the
gymnasts are having the time of their lives.
"This place is big...really big," said Bazinet. "My
favourite thing is the tumble track and vault table. It's a lot
different than what we used to have. I like doing all the cool
flips and tricks."
The coaches have also embraced their new digs.
"The kids have always had the heart to compete and do well in events," said competitive head coach Julie Lachapelle.
"Bringing them into a bigger and better facility will only make them better. We can structure classes in their own space and it gives us a lot more flexibility for training."
Jungle Gym Gymnastics provides opportunities for kids of all
ages and skill levels. There's structured programs for
beginners aged one to adult classes.
"There's always something to learn," said Anne-Marie.
"Gymnastics helps people stay fit and helps athletes in other
sports. We've been welcomed in this community and we can't wait
to grow even bigger."
