Charles-Émile Desgagnés-Cyr: A New Era for Gymini Gymnastics Club

A new chapter began this year at the Gymini Gymnastics Club, where young athletes have been perfecting their acrobatics at the Centre Multisports since its opening in 2012. Longtime director Valérie Villeneuve stepped down after a decade of passionate leadership, during which she guided the club through major milestones, including relocation and expansion. With her departure, the board entrusted the reins of the club to Charles-Émile Desgagnés-Cyr.

Originally from Laval, Charles-Émile made his way to the West Island via CÉGEP Gérald Godin and has been a resident of Vaudreuil-Soulanges for nearly 10 years. With a master’s degree in kinesiology, a deep passion for sports and healthy living, and extensive management experience—including his most recent position as director at Promo-Santé Laval—he arrives with contagious enthusiasm for the future of Gymini.

“I love to develop. I’m comfortable in this role and very attentive to my team. I consider myself a part of it,” says the new director. “I’m not the ‘owner of.’ I’m more like the captain of a soccer team, a key link who manages, but always in service of the entire group.”

Facing the Challenges Ahead

Stepping in at a time when Gymini is emerging as one of Quebec’s leading gymnastics clubs, Charles-Émile is aware of the challenges that lie ahead. He identifies two main areas of focus: managing the growth resulting from the recent expansion, and refining the club’s strategic direction across the region.

“I’m in listening mode,” he says. “Behind every quick decision might lie a mistake without understanding the club’s history. I want to involve those who have been here long enough to shape this journey with me. My choices are shaped by Gymini’s values—we’re not steering a new course, just refining it.”

Listening to Coaches, Valuing Wellness

While Gymini offers a range of youth programs—cheerleading, parkour, circus, acro-voltage—gymnastics remains its core. The hundreds of young athletes who train weekly on beams and bars speak to its growing popularity. Yet, competitive gymnastics can carry a reputation for early pressure and injury risk.

As a kinesiologist and father who has watched his daughter train at Gymini, Charles-Émile brings a unique perspective:

“I’m not a high-performance specialist, but I trust our coaches,” he explains. “I want to bring a wellness mindset to our programs and help kids thrive as athletes—and also as healthy adults—with as few injuries as possible.”

A Milestone Year

The year 2019 marks a turning point for Gymini, celebrating its 40th anniversary and hosting major competitions. With nearly 5,000 recreational enrollments, the club’s influence continues to grow. The arrival of a new director is set to energize the team further. At the very least, this is the hope for a club that proudly represents the region and has been enriching it for four decades.