If the success of their athletes means anything then the Richmond Gymnastics Association should have little trouble in finding a new home.
In recent years, the nonprofit organization has been leasing 7400 sq ft of space at the Sportstown complex on No. 5.
Road. However, the multi-purpose facility was recently sold and is in the process of being rezoned for a condominium development. Richmond Gymnastics is expected to have until 2014 to find a new location, however, the wheels are already in motion.
RGA representatives have held discussions with city officials and ensuring the 44-year-old club continues to operate here is high on the priority list.
"The city supports us and what we are doing," said Frank Szabo Jr. RGA's competitive boys head coach. "We have had some great years behind us and there are some really great years ahead of us as well."
Although a world class facility like the Olympic Oval seems like an ideal destination, Sazbo Jr. says the club needs its training apparatus set-up at all times, something the building could not accommodate. Still, the RGA has another plan for the venue and that's hosting the Pacific Rim Championships in the near future.
If all goes well, the international competition could feature as many as three RGA gymnasts.
The 2012 event was recently held in Everett, WA and the six member Canadian men's team included two RGA athletes - Robert Watson and Joshua Stuart.
Watson, 18, recently turned heads by capturing the Elite Canada senior men's all-around title. Stuart placed second in the junior division at the same event to earn his spot at the Pacific Rim meet.
A third RGA member - Jason Scott - didn't got to Everett but is a well-established member of the national team.
All three have been with Szabo Jr. since they were youngsters and his outstanding work hasn't gone unnoticed. He has won several coaching awards, including being named B.C.'s best in 2010, and he is now a regular with the national team staff. The biggest compliment is arguably the number of gymnasts turning up on his doorstep to work with him. Watson happens to reside in Port Coquitlam.
"I have always said my gymnasts determine if I am a good coach or not," said Szabo Jr. "Their performances determine it as well. It definitely brings in more people and definitely shows we are doing something different (compared to other clubs) at a wide range of levels."
His parents Frank Szabo Sr. and Gabi Szabo Sr. are also active with RGA. Frank Sr. is the girls' competitive head coach and Gabi is the club coordinator.
"It's really working out great," continued Frank Jr. "(Laughing) maybe having a European background mixed with the Canadian mentality is the right combination."
Szabo Jr., who still works with all levels RGA gymnasts, says the Canadian Championships is the next big competition for his elite athletes. However, he never knows when Gymnastics Canada might call about the next international meet.
"Sometimes I will get a call two weeks before (a competition) and they tell me to get my guys ready," he added. "Usually between February and June we have to be prepared to go at anytime. That's why when we look at our training, it's not about peaking for one particular competition. We try to keep it a steady workload which results in steady performances."
For more information about the Richmond Gymnastics Association visit www.richmondgymnastics.org
