Ottawa, ON (Nov. 24, 2025) – Roughly one year ago, the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC) and Abuse-Free Sport released the Sport Environment Assessment (SEA) Report for gymnastics in Canada. In response, Gymnastics Canada (GymCan) issued a series of commitments aligned with each of the report’s recommendations. These findings, recommendations, and corresponding commitments have provided an essential foundation for GymCan’s ongoing transformation toward a safer, stronger, and more inclusive gymnastics environment.
Over the past year, GymCan has worked diligently to implement these recommendations, strengthening safeguarding structures and reinforcing a culture of integrity, care, and accountability across the high-performance community. Despite a challenging year marked by significant leadership transitions and organizational restructuring, GymCan continued to make meaningful progress. With the arrival of a new CEO in 2026, the organization is entering a period of renewed stability, clarity, and shared purpose, and is well-positioned to build a brighter and safer future for all participants.
One year later, GymCan is pleased to share an update on its progress toward fulfilling its SEA commitments. Looking ahead, the forthcoming Safer and Stronger Safe Sport Strategy, to be released in early 2026, will continue to guide our efforts, drive improvements to the sport environment, and help cultivate a culture of excellence, trust, and participant well-being across Canadian gymnastics.
Progress Made
Over the past year, GymCan has made meaningful progress in advancing the SEA Recommendations and Commitments, including:
- Implementation of the SEA Recommendations: Most short-term recommendations have been completed, and work continues on long-term initiatives that will further strengthen our safeguarding systems and organizational culture.
- Enhanced Athlete Engagement: GymCan established new athlete engagement opportunities, ensuring that athletes’ voices remain central to decision-making and program development.
- Improved Transparency and Communication: Regular communications and updates are now shared via Activity Messenger with National Team members, and a refreshed website provides ongoing information about policies, education, and progress.
- Increased Learning and Training Opportunities: GymCan provided multiple workshops and webinar opportunities to National Team members, especially in areas related to leadership, culture, team-and trust-building, and communication, increasing awareness and capacity across the gymnastics community.
- Collaboration Across the Sport: Support from the Safety Steering Committee and improved collaboration with provincial and territorial partners has strengthened alignment on safety standards and reporting processes nationwide.
Looking Ahead
GymCan recognizes that building and maintaining a culture of safety and trust is an ongoing journey, and one that requires transparency, accountability, and collaboration. With the Safer and Stronger Safe Sport Strategy launching in January 2026, longer-term recommendations, and commitments still in-progress have been embedded into the strategy. Our organization remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that every participant, from grassroots to high performance, experiences gymnastics in an environment rooted in respect, inclusion, and safety.
As we look to the year ahead, with Debra Armstrong as incoming CEO, a new High Performance Director, and an organizational focus on strategy, culture, and leadership, GymCan will continue to prioritize safe sport. GymCan remains committed to strengthening safeguarding practices, enhancing educational initiatives, providing quality resources, and improving communication and open dialogue with athletes, parents, coaches, and administrators to advance a stronger and safer future for gymnastics, at every level of our sport.
Together, we are shaping a culture where everyone in gymnastics can thrive.
Yours in gymnastics,
Michael Downey, Interim CEO
Dr. Kacey Neely, Director, Safe Sport