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Nanaimo Gymnastics School is hosting the second annual Island Time, a season ending competion set up for athletes to try new elements in their routines and focus on having fun. (Image Credit: Nanaimo Gymnastics School)
Local Competition

Island Time to bring a close to Nanaimo gymnastics season

Jun 6, 2026 | 9:01 AM

NANAIMO — The last event of the season has arrived for the athletes at the Nanaimo Gymnastics School.

The second annual Island Time is more focused on fun than competition, taking place at the Nanaimo Ice Centre on June 6 and 7.

Coach and organizer Tracy Welbourn said it’s been a vision of hers for about ten years.

“It’s a time for the kids to shine with all their skills, and if there’s any difficulty they haven’t put in their routine yet this year, now it’s a good time to do it. It’s fun and laid back, and a chance to throw in a skill without the pressure of a provincial or national tournament. I’m hoping to grow it in size a lot next year, getting clubs from more parts of B.C., Alberta and the U.S.”

Highlights from this current competition season include a strong showing at the BC Winter Games for the school in February and a recent nationals appearance for Blake Fudge.

“It was the first time she qualified for nationals,” Welbourn said. “She was thrilled to make Team BC and be at the event. We are proud of her accomplishments. She helped Team BC take home the bronze. She really levelled up her bar routine this year. It got better and better, and she peaked for nationals.”

Interest in gymnastics and the school itself has led to NGS searching for more space.

Welbourn said they moved to a new home this past fall.

“We are typically for some of our recreational classes waitlisted on the day of opening registrations up. Our new slightly bigger facility is still not enough to cover the waitlist. On top of that, we’ve recently purchased another facility. Come summer, we’re going to be running out of two locations. We’re hoping this next facility means we’ll be able to offer programs to all the kids who want to be housed under Nanaimo Gymnastics. It’s very exciting but a lot of work.”

Welbourn said the 2025-26 season was an important year of growth for athletes at the school, including high-level competitors Fudge and Abi Harris, who moved from Level 8 difficulty to Level 9.

“A lot of our kids moved up a level this year. Our athletes had a lot of personal growth, and that’s wonderful to see as a coach.”

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