“A YMCA kid with a vision who turned participation in recreational gymnastics into a career that significantly impacted athletes at all levels of competition.”
That’s what the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame says about Nicki Chretien-Mills.
The gymnastics coach, executive, and official is being inducted into the hall in May.
Her coaching career started in 1975 as a YMCA youth leader, which lead to an integral role in the founding of the Apollo Gymnastics Club, spending 20 years with the club.
She then formed North Bay Gymtrix and has been involved from 1998 to the present.
”Although her involvement in gymnastics as a competitor was limited, Nicki has touched all the bases about the growth and development of the sport at the local, provincial and national levels,” states the North Bay Sport Hall of Fame, in a release.
Officials say her coaching career saw her have a significant impact on several athletes, including Robyn and Erin Grigg, who were successful locally and internationally.
She also served as a Team Ontario Coach, national level artistic judge, competition convenor, Gymnastics Ontario board member, northern executive and more.
Along with many gymnastic awards, accolades include the Syl Apps Volunteer Achievement Award as part of the Ontario Sport Awards program.
Later this year, she will receive the Gymnastics Ontario “Gold Sapphire Crystal” pin recognizing 50 years of involvement in the sport.
Chretien-Mills will be inducted into the hall at the 45th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner on May 2, at the Davedi Club.
Tickets can be purchased through Larry Tougas at 705-303-8104. Tickets are also available at the Davedi Club by calling 705-474-4190.
