About

Darlene Traviss

Darlene has been involved in the sport of gymnastics for over 25 years as a competitor, coach, judge, administrator and club owner. She has coached for clubs in BC and Alberta from recreational pre-school participants to national level competitors. In 1990 Darlene founded the Alberta Schools Gymnastic Association. This was a collection of gymnastic programs run out of schools in the communities of Okotoks, High River, Bragg Creek, Cochrane, Springbank, Drumheller, Lake Sundance, Cremona, Red Deer Lake and Banff.

In 1996 Darlene was co-founder and co-owner of Mountain Shadows Recreation Centre, a full-time gymnastics, trampoline and climbing facility in Okotoks. She has also taught numerous courses on gymnastics for educators in the Calgary, Foothills, Rockyview and Drumheller School Districts. Darlene has taught National Coaching Certification Programs through the Alberta Gymnastics Federation and is also certified to coach trampoline, diving and free-style skiing. In addition to years of “hands on” coaching, Darlene has developed various teaching aids and manuals. In 1990, she published “Backyard Trampolining”. Over 30,000 copies of this book have been sold world wide.

Darlene started Fit Kids Mobile Gymnastics Program in 2001 as a way to stay involved in the sport and be more available for her young daughter, Madeline. Fit Kids currently caters to children in Calgary day care centres and children in the community of Chestermere. Due to the overwhelming response to the Fit Kids Program in the neighbourhoods of Inglewood and Ramsay, the Flip Factory Gym was formed in January 2007. As a long time Ramsay resident and one who is actively involved in her community, the Flip Factory has provided Darlene with an opportunity to continue to share this fun and exciting sport with toddlers, children, teens and adults alike.