BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW
Denis Vachon is coming home, at least for one
day.
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Sudbury's Denis Vachon is the
Canadian champion in the exciting and challenging sport
of power tumbling. Vachon was honoured at the 2004
Sudbury Kinsmen Sports Celebrity Dinner. Hall of Fame
member Ken Creasey handed out the award. |
Vachon, Canada's senior power tumbling
champion, will be making an appearance at GymZone Gymnastics
today (Sunday).
Vachon will be on hand to provide a special
demonstration of his amazing skills and athleticism.
Vachon will first address GymZone members
from noon to 1 pm, and will give another presentation for the
public from 1 to 3 pm.
Vachon's return has GymZone officials
excited.
"Denis is just unbelievable," said Annette
Ranger, GymZone program supervisor. "He's known in the world
for his power tumbling. It's an amazing skill
only a few people in the world can actual
accomplish. It's the perfect opportunity for the people of
Greater Sudbury to see him perform."
The special appearance is free to the public.
They can not only view Vachon fly through the air with grace,
but can also check out what GymZone has to offer to kids.
"Sunday is also an open house for us," said
Ranger. "Kids can come in and try out the equipment, such as
one of our four built-in trampolines. Our coaches will also be
on hand to answer questions from parents and kids."
Having a world-class athlete like Vachon pay
a visit and display his abundant talents will provide a
tremendous boost to the GymZone, said Ranger.
"We are excited about it," said Ranger. "He
has done so well, and helped put Sudbury gymnastics on the
map."
Gymnastics has a wide audience in Sudbury.
GymZone currently has about 1,000 members in a variety of
programs.
Vachon's appearance will be a huge benefit to
the members and other gymnastic hopefuls.
"People can see exactly what power tumbling
is all about," said Ranger. "It's a fairly recent sport, and
people coming out will get to see one of the best in the world
do it."
This year, Vachon has competed in numerous
events, with impressive results.
He placed fifth in the Pan American
Championships, fifth at the World Cup in Moscow, Russia, and
won the Canadian Championship in Toronto.
