This year marks an incredible milestone for Delta Gymnastics Society (DGS)—50 years of inspiring movement, building community, and championing gymnastics for all. Founded in 1975 by Karoline (Kari) Cullen, DGS began as a simple summer program offering recreational classes to children in Delta. With overwhelming support from the community, the program quickly evolved into a year-round operation, eventually finding its permanent home in 2011 at the Delta Sport Development Centre in Ladner, BC.

“We began with summer recreation classes for children aged five to 12 years,” reflects founder Kari Cullen. “I have seen it grow, flourish and become a staple in our community for at least three generations.

Pioneering Programs That Move All Ages

From toddlers to seniors, Delta Gymnastics has become a leader in developing inclusive, meaningful programs that promote lifelong physical literacy.

• Active Start, developed by longtime coach Michelle Jones, introduces children as young as 18 months to foundational movement through fun and skill-building.
• RISE is an adaptive program that makes gymnastics more accessible for children with extra needs.
• Seniors Can Move, created with input from coaches, physiotherapists, and a geriatric nurse, empowers older adults to regain agility, strength, and independence through movement.

Athletic and Artistic Excellence

Delta Gymnastics has also seen its athletes shine on and off the competitive floor. WAG athlete Sydney Thomas was inducted into the Delta Sports Hall of Fame in 2023, and Natalie Anderson, a multi-sport standout and 2021 GymBC Scholarship recipient, credits the club with shaping her athletic journey.

Another shining example is Delta’s Gymnaestrada Team, which has represented Canada at the World Gymnaestrada in Austria (2007) and Switzerland (2011), and continues to bring together athletes of all ages and abilities.

“Our experience with Gymnaestrada is incredibly rewarding,” says Program Manager Jenn Watts. “It’s about having fun and being part of a supportive, inclusive community.”

Resilience Through Adversity

DGS’s journey hasn’t always been smooth. In 2002, just as the organization was planning for expansion, an arson fire devastated their facility. Despite the setback, the team continued programs in temporary locations while the building was repaired.

And like many organizations, DGS faced another major challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic. But as always, the Delta community rallied behind the club, helping it emerge stronger and more determined to serve athletes of all ages.

Award-Winning Community Impact

Delta Gymnastics’ commitment to 'gymnastics for all' has earned them multiple accolades:

• 2019: Gymnastics for All BC Club of the Year
• 2021 & 2023: Gladys Hartley Provincial Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Club of the Year

Through school programming in Delta and Surrey, drop-ins, partnerships, and inclusive events, DGS continues to shape lives far beyond the gym.

“Gymnastics is more than a competitive sport,” says founding member Carlene Lewall. “It’s an environment where kids build self-esteem, confidence, and lifelong skills.”

Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future

As DGS reflects on 50 years of impact, the organization is already looking ahead—continuing to innovate, grow, and lead the way in physical literacy and community programming.

“Gymnastics is a foundational sport. Once you learn that, you can do anything,” says Lewall.

Join the Celebration

To commemorate this incredible milestone, Delta Gymnastics will be hosting two major events:

• 40th Annual Delta Invitational & Cash and Carry Cup (May 2–4 at the Richmond Oval): This year’s competition will feature a $15,000 cash prize.
• 50th Anniversary Community Open House (September 5 at the Delta facility): A chance for alumni, athletes, staff, and community members to reconnect and celebrate decades of memories.

Congratulations to Delta Gymnastics on 50 years of building strong bodies, strong minds, and strong community connections. Here’s to the next 50!

Learn more about Delta Gymnastics: https://www.deltagymnastics.com.

Celebrating our GymBC Community
We’re shining a spotlight on the stories, milestones, and achievements of our incredible member clubs and community members.

If you know someone—a standout athlete, inspiring coach, dedicated club, or passionate gymnastics enthusiast—we’d love to share their story!

Email us at communications@gymbc.org to learn how you can be featured on the GymBC website.