Active Cambridge

North Campus - 560 Thompson Drive, just off Townline and Pinebush Rd

Main Campus - 1458 Hamilton Street, at the end of Bishop Street and Hamilton Street, behind Preston Arena

Cambridge Kips’ History

Since 1971, Cambridge Kips has been providing children of all ages with opportunities to enjoy and develop their skills in the sport of amateur gymnastics. The not-for-profit club was founded in 1971 by Don Rope (a former hockey Olympian) and his wife Benita. Their daughter, Patti (then Canada's top gymnast) finished 27th in the 1976 Olympic Games, Montreal, Canada. Her achievement was the highest-ever placing at an Olympics by a Canadian female gymnast at the time and was not bettered until the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.  

By 1981, the club was in need of more space, and with the help of the City of Cambridge, the Kips moved to our current location.  We now offer over 120 different classes and have over 1,000 athletes in various programs throughout the year.  The competitive program has expanded to include a full complement of rhythmic and artistic programs.  We look forward to the future as we continue to grow and expand.  

Recreational Programs - Keeping fitness fun for our community 

Few sports can offer the benefits gymnastics does. Gymnastics builds a stronger body and an even stronger mind. It strengthens muscles, improves balance and co-ordination and encourages young athletes to make and meet personal goals. And it all takes place in safe setting where kids can have fun and be kids.

Kips offers a range of recreational programs in various streams, artistic and rhythmic, for participants ranging in age from infants (Parent and Tot) to adults (Open Gym). Can't decide? No problem. We offer combo classes that combine the best of each program for the aspiring athletes who like to experience a bit of everything. We also offer private lessons for those working to acquire or upgrade tumbling skills.

Goals:  Recreational classes are based on guidelines set by Gymnastics Ontario, the provincial organization which develops programs to promote the sport and offer physical benefits to athletes of all ages. We have customized our recreational classes to physically challenge participants, all the while supporting them to set and achieve goals and build bonds with others. 

Positive Experiences:  We strive to offer the best possible experience while training with Kips. We honour fair play guidelines that promote respect between staff, athletes and families.

Competitive Programs - Developing team spirit in a sport geared for individuals

The Cambridge Kips Gymnastics Club’s artistic and rhythmic competitive program exists to provide effective gymnastics programs for the growth and development of competitive gymnasts up to the national level.  We believe that this is best done with the mutually supportive efforts of all involved in the system - gymnasts, families, coaches, support staff, and the community of Cambridge. This is best accomplished through the pursuit of the following ideals:

• To create a positive, challenging environment where all competitive gymnasts can reach their full potential. 
• To keep the safety and well being of each individual athlete at the forefront, through all training activities. 
• To encourage and promote the participation and co-operation of home, community and the gymnastics club in the provision of the competitive program. 
• To secure, maintain, develop and support the best possible certified professional staff. 
• To encourage and promote a consistent and cohesive coaching effort. 
• To ensure that the clubs’ programs and facilities meet the requirements of Gymnastics Ontario (G.O.) and Gymnastics Canada Gymnastique (G.C.G.).