The head coach at North Bay’s Apollo Gymnastics knows a few things about hard work, perseverance and strength because she learned through determination and goal setting just how attainable dreams really are and she works everyday to instill those same goals and dreams in every child she coaches at Apollo Gymnastics. The one thing Jenifer Lavigne never counted on was how those same dreams and goals would come back to her through the kids she now coaches and mentors.
When one of the parents of a gymnast heard about a special awards program for Canadian coaches being run by Campbell’s Chunky Soup she knew she had to nominate Ms. Lavigne for the title of Most Valuable Coach (MVC). Ms. Lavigne is a positive role model for all of her athletes through both the good and the bad times and she often competes along side her athletes in master level competitions.
Beginning her coaching career at the age of 14 as a Coach in Training Ms. Lavigne was coaching recreational and competitive classes by the age of 16 and was named the gyms head coach in 2007 but, her affair with gymnastics actually began much earlier. At the age of 13 Ms. Lavigne registered for formal classes at Apollo after trying to teach herself the sport in her own backyard and her bedroom. It was her cousin, a competitive athlete at Apollo, who finally helped her refine her skills and feed her desire to train. She begged her parents for lessons and the rest was history.
“Jen is a dedicated coach who is always willing to help each child reach their individual goals no matter how big or small they may be. She doesn’t measure success on how huge the skill is but the desire it took for them to do it,” said Michele Vaillancourt, the clubs president.
“If my athletes leave Apollo feeling that they are still a part of the gym and care about things that impact its future, then that is a testimonial about how much they have enjoyed the sport and their time as an athlete. I have always taught my gymnasts that it is more important to be challenged in the sport, than it is to take the easy road in an easy category and finish at the top of the podium every single time. If they measure their success by their feelings of accomplishments and not by the amount of medals or trophies they have, then I have done my job. The focus should be on personal bests, and if they end up with medals for their efforts, then that is just icing on the cake,” said Ms. Lavigne.
These very attitudes and moral values are why North Bay is lucky to have such a wonderful coach leading the youth of tomorrow and because of this North Bay Apollo Gymnastics, a not-for-profit organization which puts youth first, needs your help. In order to win the prestigious title of Campbell’s Soup Most Valuable Coach we need to rally behind Ms. Lavigne and vote for her on the awards website. The grand prize, $25,000 which includes $20,000 to the coach’s club, $2,000 to the coach’s provincial sport organization, a $2,000 Sports nutrition seminar for the coach’s athletes and a $1,000 education credit for the coach. This money would help to ensure the longevity and the legacy of gymnastics in North Bay.
Please help make Jenifer Lavigne the Campbell’s Soup MVC for 2010 by becoming her fan at www.chunkymvc.ca. The coaches will be chosen based on fans, testimonies and the original nomination. Perhaps you have had an opportunity to visit Apollo Gymnastics and see for yourself the wonderful things they are doing if you have be sure to leave a testimony on the website. You can connect to the site via Facebook or you can sign up to become a fan, simply click on the link in the top right-hand corner and then search the nominees for Jenifer Lavigne.
“My ultimate goal or wish for Apollo is that we continue to offer fun, challenging and quality programming for participants of all age and ability levels in a safe and positive environment for years to come. Apollo is considered the family oriented Club in North Bay, and so many gymnasts feel comfortable at the gym and consider it their second home. I like that everyone feels welcome here and I am happy to see athletes, coaches and parents continue to visit over the year, long after their involvement with the gym,” said Ms. Lavigne
To become Ms. Lavignes’ fan visit Campbell's Chunky MVC Website.
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