It is with great sadness that Manitoba Gymnastics shares the news of the passing of Barbara Heaps in November 24,2024. Barb’s start in gymnastics came as an instructor at a YWCA class in Edmonton before making her way to Manitoba. Over her career she attended competitions with her athletes such as Elite Canada, Canadian Championships, World Invitational International Competition, Moscow Invitational, Canadian British Invitational, Canadian Classic, University Student Games as well as meets in the USSR, Romania, Bulgaria, France and United States. Barb not only was involved as a coach but in many other roles such as Women’s Technical Committee Member, Regional Development Chairperson, Legion Athletic Camp Program Coordinator, Pan Ams Scoring Chair, Organizing Chair of many Provincial Championships and was on the organizing committee of for many Westerns and Canadians. She played an integral role in the development of Technical Regulations and provincial team programing. In 1972, she formed Limberettes, where she developed many gymnastics whom were on the Canadian and Provincial Team. She was the first female coach to travel with the Canadians Team. Between 1988 and 1993 she was the Coordinator and Director of Springers Gymnastics Club. Following her time at Springers she moved to Brandon Gymnastics Club where she remained for the rest of her career. In 1992, she was named Coach of the Year and received the 3M MB Coach of the Year Award. In 1999, she received the Jack Mowat Award. She was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame in 2007. Our deepest condolences to the Barb’s family during this difficult time. Her achievements and lasting impact on the Sport of Gymnastics in Manitoba will never be forgotten. Celebration of Life on Saturday, February 22nd, 2025 – 1:00-5:00 pm, 210 Buxton Road, Winnipeg, MB, please RSVP to Kim at [email protected].
