From Pro-Rec to Professional: The Surprising History of GYmnastics in Coquitlam

Gymnastics originated in ancient Greece and was a series of exercises, including running, jumping, swimming, wrestling, and weightlifting. The term gymnastics derives from the word gymnazo, meaning “to exercise naked,” which described the men who would practice these exercises without clothing. During the Roman rule of Greece, however, these exercises were formalized and used to train men in warfare. As centuries passed, this formalized training evolved into a competitive and highly skilled sport practiced worldwide.

In our exhibit From Pro-Rec to Professional: The Surprising History of Gymnastics in Coquitlam, we explore the evolution of the sport and how its popularity was cemented not only locally in Coquitlam, but nationally in Canada.

The story of gymnastics in Coquitlam begins with the introduction of a province-wide physical education program called Pro-Rec in 1934. Originally intended to combat the “demoralizing influence of enforced idleness” among unemployed youth, the program was eventually available to all BC residents in 1936. Many activities were taught within the program, with gymnastics being a popular one. To run the program, the government would hire instructors and basic equipment, while communities provided facilities for the various activities in their respective areas. Pro-Rec was the first of its kind in the British Commonwealth and celebrated extraordinary success in its 19-year run.

PRO REC GOLDEN STATUES DISPLAY, F12-S02-F06-7, CITY OF COQUITLAM ARCHIVES.

In Coquitlam, one of the first Pro-Rec facilities was located in the basement of Our Lady of Lourdes church in Maillardville. In this quaint basement that sometimes flooded during rainy weather, Don Cunnings, the first itinerant instructor, would train local children in gymnastics. He even adapted his exercises to utilize household items so that the children could practice at home when those rainy days locked them out of their gym. Many of Cunnings’ students went on to have successful careers in gymnastics, many qualifying and even winning in the Canadian championships and the Pan Am Games. One such student was Neil Godin, who Cunnings scouted when he was promoting his new gym classes around Maillardville and saw young Godin playing outside with his brother. His critique of Godin’s “rolls” piqued his interest and set the stage for Godin’s admirable gymnastics career.

GROUP MAKING GYMNASTIC TOWERS‎, NEIL GODIN ON THE FAR RIGHT, F12.422, DON CUNNINGS FONDS, CITY OF COQUITLAM ARCHIVES.

Coquitlam Heritage wanted to emphasize Don Cunnings’ influence and involvement in the program through this exhibit, as he was instrumental for the success of gymnastics in the area. Through interviews with Cunnings, we learned how he used his unique methods to teach children English and anatomy through gymnastics, the routes he took to travel to Coquitlam, and the ways he saw the city grow and change. Most importantly however, we learned about his impactful career and the great change he brought to Coquitlam.

DON CUNNINGS AND GILBERT GIRARD, F12.416, CITY OF COQUITLAM ARCHIVES.

Cunnings, an educator and recreational leader, championed many physical education and recreational programs in Coquitlam, eventually becoming Coquitlam’s first Parks and Recreation Director. One notable program Cunnings was involved in was a recreational therapy program conducted by Essondale Psychiatric Hospital. Cunnings trained patients, who were rarely given opportunities to participate in physical activities, in gymnastics, helping improve not only their physical abilities, but also their social and emotional development.

PATIENTS AT ESSONDALE PARTICIPATE IN A TEAM BUILDING EXERCISE, 1954, IMAGE COURTESY OF DON CUNNINGS’ PHOTOGRAHIC COLLECTION.

The exhibit also highlights how the legacy of Pro-Rec and Don Cunnings lives on through contemporary organizations like Club Aviva. This long-standing gymnastics club in Coquitlam, founded by Vivien Symington in 1986, offers competitive training for athletes and instructional gymnastics for the public of all ages. Much like the innovative programs at Riverview Hospital, the club runs Empowering Steps, a specialized program run with the help of occupational, physio, and speech therapists to make gymnastics accessible to children with disabilities. To further support this program, the club has the Symington Symbiotic Foundation that aims to “empower and support children and youth living with disabilities...through an interdisciplinary learning and therapy experience.” The Symington Endowment Fund was also established in honor of Vivien Symington’s parents to provide financial assistance to both competitive gymnasts and children with neuro-developmental disabilities.

IMAGE COURTESY OF CLUB AVIVA

Learn more about Coquitlam’s history of this millennia-old sport in our exhibition From Pro-Rec to Professional: The Surprising History of Gymnastics in Coquitlam, currently on display at the Coquitlam Sports Hall of Fame until November 15th, 2021.