2006 Alberta Gymnastics Federation Awards Night

CCGC athletes and coaches were recognized at the 2006 Alberta Gymnastics Federation Awards Night on September 16th.

Brandon O’Neil was the star of the night as he was named the 2005 – 2006 Male Athlete of the Year. Brandon has had huge success this past year winning the silver medal on the floor exercise at the 2005 World Championships. He was also named as a team member for the Canadian team at the 2006 World Championships.

Jared Walls was also recognized for his great results this past season. Highlights of the year were winning the silver medal All Around at the 2005 Elite Canada as well as competing at his first World Cup.

Jackson Payne received an athlete achievement award for his incredible past year. He is the Canadian National Champion on pommel horse and won a bronze medal at the Junior Pan American Games on the floor exercise. Way to go Jackson!

On the female side of things, Samantha Ward received an award for her amazing results at the 2006 Western Canadian Championships. She won Western Canadian Championships on floor and vault and also the bronze All Around medal.

Rachelle Procaccini was recognized for winning the Provincial Championships in the P3 Open category. Rachelle has since retired from the sport and has taken a role on our dynamic coaching team. We wish her the best of luck.

Coaches Kristi Marks and Katie Mullaly were also recognized for their continual involvement with the sport of gymnastics in Alberta.

Congratulations to all our Capital City gymnasts for a stellar 2005 – 2006 season. We look forward to your continued success.

Congratulations Jackson!!!!!!!!!

August 28, 2006 Payne wins bronze in Gatineau

Edmonton's Jackson Payne won a surprise bronze medal in the men's floor exercise on the final day of competition Sunday at the Pan American Junior Gymnastics Championships in Gatineau, Que.

Payne, 14, who competed in three event finals, expected his best chance for a medal would come on the pommel horse but a costly mistake dropped him to sixth. His floor exercise did not have as many difficult elements as many of the other finalists, but a clean routine landed him a spot on the podium next to gold medal winner Marcos Barros of Brazil and runner up Philip Onorato of the United States. 

"It was a pretty big surprise," said a smiling Payne after the award ceremonies. "I should have had a medal on pommel horse too but I guess that's the way it goes." 

Payne, who trains at the Capital City Gym Club with world silver medalist Brandon O'Neill, was also gunning for a medal on high bar but had to settle for eighth after running into troubles at the beginning of his routine. 

Jeff Thomson of Vancouver, the program director for the Canadian men's team said Payne has a bright future. 

"Jackson is young and he's getting so much experience from this competition. I think he showed today just how much potential he has as an all around gymnast." 

Payne said he was "a little nervous" at one of the biggest meets he's competed at, but didn't think being the youngest competitor in the field was a factor. 

"It's a good feeling to know that I can compete against guys who are bigger and older than me," he said. "It's a good confidence boost."

Payne will now set his sights on the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio De Janeiro.