Sport Manitoba Scholarships

Congratulations to Speranza and Yonatan on receiving Sport Manitoba scholarships!  Speranza received a $1000 University scholarship.  Yonatan was awarded the Jeff Collins Memorial Winnipeg Coach Award.  This honour came with a $500 bursary to use for his University tuition.

Women to Watch Grant Recipient, Caitlyn De Jong

Congratulations to Caitlyn De Jong for receiving a Sport Manitoba Women to Watch grant.  Caitlyn started baton lesson at Aerial Fusion when she was seven years old. She has worked hard earning several top spot placings in her divisions at the Canadian Championships and she has represented Canada at two International Cup competitions. Her goal is to make the Canadian Team for freestyle. We look forward to what your future holds in our sport Caitlyn.

Women to Watch Grant Recipient, Alexandra Reformado

 Congratulations Alexandra Reformado on receiving a Sport Manitoba, “Women to Watch” grant.  Alex is a very ambitious and intrinsically motivated athlete, who strives to better her skills.  She started in a recreational program in 2015 and quickly has become a competitor to watch.

Alex worked through our Canadian Baton Twirling Federation’s badge program last summer, practicing in her garage and in her back yard, earning a total of six badges.

Alex’s goal is to represent Canada at an International competition and earn herself, and ultimately our country, a top ten finish.  She says this grant “will allow me to continue being a baton twirler, which is something I truly enjoy.”

Alexandra is coached by Sara Sabeski.

Congratulations Alexandra!

Safe at Home Program

Manitoba Baton received a provincal government grant to keep Safe at Home.  We provided fourteen weeks of entirely free lessons (dance, baton, and pom pom.) We hired our junior coaches and an assistant for each class. This provided jobs and leadership opportunities for these coaches and assistants.

Our team came together to organize these classes in a short amount of time.  We set up several weeks of drive-thru-style baton/pom pom stations in frigid weather for people to pick up their equipment. The ages of the participants were from pre-school to senior adults. 

Saturday Night Inspiration Series

Our Saturday Night Inspiration Series by Manitoba Baton was simply inspiring.  Seven weeks of guests shared their stories with our virtual audience.  So many life lessons, advice and expertise from our former athletes, coaches, judges, and specialists.  All sessions are available for viewing on our Youtube channel. 

MBTSA Wins the Canadian Baton Twirling Federation - President's Cup

The CBTF President's Cup Award is award to recognize innovation in the sport of Baton Twirling in Canada. This award will be presented annually to a person or group of persons, club, province, group, etc. and is intended to recognize how they have demonstrated and implemented innovation in the sport of Baton Twirling in Canada, aimed at new ways of delivering, performing, supporting, or continuing the sport in the face of adversity. The nominator and the nominee must be CBTF members.

Any innovation in the sport that creates new approaches, concepts, programming, or advances of any kind to continue the development and growth of the sport in the future, while in the face of adversity, may be considered.

ParticipACTION Community Better Challenge

The ParticipACTION Community Better Program in the month of June touched over 700 students in Manitoba.  Students learned about baton twirling, watched a performance with light up batons, and learned their own routine.  Online "Pop Up" classes taught another 50 students over multiple days learn different skills.

Sport Manitoba Night of Champions

Congratulations to the following Sport Manitoba Nominees:

Yonatan Orlov - Junior Male Athlete of the Year

Laura Tymchyshyn- Junior Female Athlete of the Year

Team 'Toba  - Junior Team of the Year

Volunteer of the Year - Karen Reynolds

Baton twirling in Russia flourishes with Winnipegger’s influence

University of Manitoba student Yonatan Orlov is a baton twirler who represents Canada on the International stage.  He competed at the International Cup and Grand Prix competition this past August in Limoges, France, and placed 5th place in Sr Men's Elite 2-Baton and 3-Baton, 10th in Sr Men's Elite Artistic Twirl and 8th place Elite Team.

MBTSA IS THE CBTF EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR.

​Each year all the Provincial Executives in CBTF are rated according to their efficiency and organizational skills when communicating with each of the following CBTF Positions: President, Past President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Technical Chairman, Coaches’ Rep, Judges Rep, Sanction Officer, Group Rep, Skills Development Officer.

CBTF Senior Male Athlete of the Year Ron Kopas Award Recipient, Yonatan Orlov

​

Lynda Garland Award of Excellence Recipient, Leisha Strachan

Congratulations Leisha Strachan, 2019 CBTF recipient of the Lynda Garland’s Award for Excellence, recognizing her remarkable accomplishments as a baton coach!

CBTF Volunteer of the Year, Dana Peteleski

Congratulations Dana Peteleski -2019 CBTF recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award, recognizing her for her hours of contribution to our sport. 

Manitoba's best in baton off to France

by:  Simon Fuller, The Lance

A number of baton twirlers from southeast Winnipeg have already made their mark at the provincial level this season.

The 2019 International Cup Qualifier event, which was hosted by the Manitoba Baton Twirling Sportive Association, was held recently at the University of Manitoba Investors Group Athletic Centre, and Team Canada was selected from a pool of 90 athletes from six provinces.

Officials say 11 athletes from Manitoba were successful in making the Canadian contingent, which will compete at the International Cup event in Limoges, France in August. A number of the 11 Manitobans set to travel to Europe later this summer are involved with the Greendell Baton and Dance program. The list includes coach Dana Peteleski; Madison Reynolds; Sydney Reynolds; Speranza Albensi; Gabby Albensi; and Meghan Stanger.

Peteleski, who is head coach of Team Toba and head coach of Greendell Baton and Dance, is excited about the upcoming tournament in France.

"It’s very exciting," said Peteleski, who lives in St. Vital. "We’ve still got a lot of work to do before heading over there, but we’re hoping to make it into the Top 10."

Peteleski said a number of Manitoba twirlers will also be competing at the upcoming Canadian Championships, which will be held in July, making it a busy summer for the athletes and coaches.

Noting the twirlers typically practise several days a week in the run-up to an event, Peteleski said the nationals will give the team valuable experience before heading to France.

"It’s a good chance to get in front of the judges, and we’re really looking forward to representing the city, the province, and the nation."

Madison Reynolds, 18, is also looking forward to representing Canada in France.

"It’s been a lifelong goal of mine, so it’s an amazing feeling," said Reynolds, who lives in Southdale, and is a member of Greendell Baton and Dance.

"I know it’s definitely going to be challenging, and I know what’s up ahead, but I have a little bit of confidence in myself."

Laura Tymchyshyn, 19, said she has learned to channel her nerves leading up to an international competition.

"I am always a nervous wreck leading up to these international competitions, but this stress helps me train hard and efficiently," said Tymchyshyn, who lives in Southdale, and is a member of Aerial Fusion.

"It’s such an honour to be heading to France as part of Team Canada to begin with, so I’m trying not to let the nerves and pressure get to me, and to just enjoy the experience to the fullest."

"The initial qualifier competition was to compete for our spots on the contingent, but when in France it will be the time to put on a show and perform our hearts out, all while doing the sport we all love the most," she added, noting her thankfulness for the opportunity to represent Canada, and her gratitude to everyone that has helped her along the way.

To help support the athletes travelling to Regina and France, organizers a holding a vendor and garage sale fundraiser on Sat., June 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Greendell Park Community Centre (75 Woodlawn Ave.). The event will include a hotdog and bake sale, and the athletes will also be on hand to teach baton.

World Baton Twirling Day

Watch Global TV as Caitlyn and Speranza share about World Baton Twirling Day!

Sport Manitoba Order of Sport Excellence

Sport Manitoba Order of Sport Excellence Awards were handed out at the Winter Classic competition last weekend.  Congratulations to our athletes and coaches who received an award.

Eat, Drink and Travel Raffle

Thank you to  VIA RAIL for their generous donation

Lucky winners are:

!st - $1000 Travel Voucher from VIA RAIL - M.Street

2nd - $200 Liquor Mart Gift Card - D. Bartel 

3rd - $100 Grocery Gift Card - Larry F

Twirl, baton and roll by Naniece Ibrahim

Orlov to visit Russia

​

UWinnipeg student Yonatan Orlov is a baton twirler who competes on the national and international stage.

He competed at the Canadian Baton Twirling Championships this past summer, finishing first in three of six categories.  Baton twirling, Orlov says, is like “rhythmic gymnastics with a twist.”

When he’s not studying and going to class, he dedicates three to four hours to practicing every day.

Later this month he’s heading to Moscow, Russia to host a baton clinic where he’ll be teaching and sharing his world-class expertise.

Read full story...

Provincial Team Announced

Congratulations to the following athletes who were selected to the Manitoba Baton Twirling Provincial Team for the  2018/19 season.

​

Speranza Albensi

Sarah Cimino

Caitlyn De Jong

Maddy Reynolds

Sydney Reynolds

Meghan Stanger

Alternate:  Gabby Albensi

Understudy: Emma Bakker

Head Coach:Dana Petelski

Assistant Coach: Kristen Paupanekis

Canadian Championships in the Russian News

Russian Winnipeg News

Story by Tatyana Dyck 

​

​

​

Yonatan Orlov combines grace, athleticism, juggling in a masterful display of baton twirling

The Jewish Post & News 

Watch interview

Good showing for Orlov at baton nationals

"Teen now preparing to compete at worlds"

by Simon Fuller, The Lance

Baton coach receives special award

"Boyd honoured 35 years after making history"

by Simon Fuller, The Lance

BMO Walk so Kids Can Talk

Our Athletes at the Walk So Kids Can Talk in support of Kids Help Phone

MBTSA Celebrates World Baton Twirling Day!

Laura and Yonatan made an appearance on Global TV this morning to celebrate World Baton Twirling Day!

Children's Hospital TV

A visit to the Children's Hospital TV for sick kids.

Dana Peteleski awarded Lynda Garland Award by CBTF

Saint John, New Brunswick

KidsFest 2015

The rainy start to Kidsfest didn't stop the kids from trying out baton twirling.  It was great to see so many smiles of accomplishment when they learned some new tricks. It was lovely though, when the sun peaked out of the clouds to finish off our day.

Joyce Retires

Seasoned coach, Joyce Ormshaw has announced that this is her final year of coaching.  Her retirement celebration was held on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at the Silver Heights Restaurant.  

Congratulations Edie and Jenny

Congratulations to Edie and Jennifer Parisian for being awarded the Sharon Holliday Award for Sportsmanship. 

Bison Half Time Show

Members of our Provincial Team and Group performed at the University of Manitoba Bisons' basketball half time show, Friday, Jan 9th. This was their first performance of the new season and it was a good chance for the new members to perform without the pressure of competition.  They simply rocked it!   

Festival of Trees and Lights

Team 'Toba heads to Trials

Team 'Toba is headed to the 2014 Canadian Team Trials, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
 

Summer Camp Success!

Our 2014 Summer Camp was a success!  35 students came out to our summer camp hosted by MBTSA.  Our Provincial team coaches, and team members coached the camp.  Students had a lot of fun either learning how to twirl, or improving their skills, as well as learning new tricks, and some dance and gymnastics moves. We can't forget to mention that they played some super fun games too!  See the article in MyToba article.  Watch the video here Summer Sizzler 2014.

Santa Claus Parade

Decked out in their Santa hats, 40 athletes twirled their way down Portage Avenue in the annual Santa Claus parade. Tossing their batons high in the air, they wowed the crowd as they awaited Santa's arrival.

Twirling their way onto the podium

by Simon Fuller, The Lance

Double gold for Tan!

Filipino Journal

Bronze Medal Finish at Baton Twirling Cup in B.C

St. James Assiniboia School Division Newsletter

Tan to Twirl on the world stage

by Jared Story, The Times

Twirling for 'Toba

by Sheldon Birnie, The Herald

Canadian Championships, Oshawa

Athletes from three clubs represented Manitoba at the Canadian Baton Twirling Championships, and the Maple Leaf Open.  Manitoba's athletes had a strong showing winning many medals and special awards.  Congratulations to Rhaychelle Tan, the Senior Challenge Cup Winner; Joyce Ormshaw, the Lynda Garland Award of Excellence recipient; and Jenny Parisian, the CBTF scholarship recipient for post-secondary eduation.     

Sport Manitoba Night of Champions

Congratulations to the following Sport Manitoba Nominees:

Yonatan Orlov - Junior Male Athlete of the Year

Sara Sabeski - Junior Female Athlete of the Year

Team 'Toba - Phantom - Junior Team of the Year

Volunteer of the Year - Dana Peteleski 

SUMMER SIZZLER

2016 - MBTSA is once again hosting a summer camp for children ages 6 + up.  This year's clinic is being held at Greendell Baton August 29, 30 & 31st.  The clinic is open to new and experienced students.  Batons are available for use.  Sign up today and tell a friend!  Contact Trina for more information.  (Forms available under EVENTS tab)  Watch last year's SUMMER SIZZLER VIDEO.

Yonatan Trains Twirlers in Moscow

U of Manitoba student Yonatan Orlov is a baton twirler who represents Canada on the International stage.  He competed at the International Cup and Grand Prix competition this past August in Limoges, France, and placed 5th place in Sr Men's Elite 2-Baton and 3-Baton, 10th Sr Men's Elite Artistic Twirl and 8th place Elite Team. 

Earlier this month, Orlov traveled to Moscow, Russia to share his passion for baton twirling with athletes of varying skill levels.  He coached athletes from local clubs and offered Master Classes for the Russian Federation. Only a few years ago, baton twirling was introduced to this country, and since then, the sport has exploded. "Many athletes come from a dance and gymnastics background and are very dedicated," says Olga Orlov. 

Yonatan says "There are many things that make so many people fall in love with the sport of baton twirling. Personally, I fell in love with this sport because of the ability to display baton handling with dance and gymnastics. I have been a fan of gymnastics for many years and having the opportunity to incorporate both gymnastics/dance and baton is the best of both worlds."

​

"It is a great privilege to be able to promote the spot of baton twirling in Russia," he says, adding that "baton twirling allows individuals of all ages, genders, heights, weight, and many other facts feel like they belong to a second family full of individuals with the same passion and drive." 

​

Orlov is a student in the Faculty of Science at the University of Manitoba.  

​

He plans on competing at the World Baton Twirling competition next summer in Riccione, Italy. 

SCHOOL OUTREACH, ParticipACTION 150 National Initiative

MBTSA is starting a School Outreach Program as part of the initiative to take part in the "Participaction 150" .

Coaches, we would love it if you could be part of the "ParticipACTION 150 Crew".  

​

Please reply by April 1, 2017.  Contact Trina for more info.

Spread the word, Baton Twirling is #143 on the top 150 list.

YONATAN AND LAURA - COMPETING in SWEDEN!

UPDATE! - This long weekend saw the Canadian Team Trials in Whitby, Ontario.  Two of our Manitoba athletes competed and came away with fantastic results: both of have made the Canadian Team and will compete in Sweden at the World Championships this August. 

Our junior pair, Yonatan Orlov, and Laura Tymchyshyn came away with a bronze medal.  This is the pair's first year twirling together. 

​

Laura Tymchynshyn, coached by Leisha Strachan & Jane Tan, placed 6th overall in the Junior Women's Freestyle division, and was asked to take the alternate spot on the Canadian Team.  Yonatan Orlov, coached by Dana Peteleski, won the Junior Men's Freestyle gold medal, and earned a spot on the Canadian Team. 

​

It has been approximately two decades since Manitoba has sent freestyle athletes to the World Championships.  Congratulations Laura and Yonatan!  Manitoba is very proud of your hard work and accomplishments.

Sport Manitoba Night of Champions - Nominees

 2019 Nominees

Junior Female Athlete of the Year - Meghan Stanger

Junior Male Athlete of the Year - Yonatan Orlov

Volunteer of the Year - Marie Speare

​

​

Great Gift Card Raffle

The lucky winner of this raffle is Ticket holder # 2913, C. Northam. Prize is a $500 Sobeys card!

Thank you for supporting MBTSA!  

Seeing is Believing at Baton Demonstration in Riverton

by Jay Boaz, Interlake Enterprise News

​

"The principle of “seeing is believing” was on display Sunday afternoon in Riverton as a new sport was introduced to the community.

As reported two weeks ago in the Interlake Enterprise, former Rivertap instructor Tracey Bjornson-Collins has announced the start of a new community sport, baton twirling, through the formation of a new club called The Northern Lights. To build excitement and show what the sport is all about, Bjornson-Collins arranged a demonstration with the Manitoba Baton Twirling Sportive Association (MBTSA).

​

Nine members of the provincial team made the trip out to Riverton. The athletes put on a forty five minute performance, demonstrating a variety of skill levels and competition types...."  click the link to read the full story.

​

For more photos

Local twirlers earn place on international podium Aerial Fusion Baton vets take home hardware

by Sheldon Birnie, Canstar Community News

​

For competitive baton twirlers, the sport is in their blood. Just ask Jessica Pososki.

"I literally was born into it," Pososki, 22, said.

As a child, her mother ran Cathy’s Crew dance and baton studio out of the Oxford Heights Community Centre. As a teenager, Pososki branched out and eventually found herself twirling with Aerial Fusion Baton in East Kildonan.

"I’ve been there over 10 years now," Pososki said.

In 2011, Pososki got her first taste of international competition. In 2015, she competed in one event at the World Baton International Cup. This year, she qualified for four events at the World Baton Twirling International Cup, held in Porec, Croatia in August.

​

2018 Grand Aggregate Winners

Congratulations to our 2018 Grand Aggregate Award Winners

Junior

Winner - Alexandra Reformado

Runner Up - Gabreilla Albensi

Senior

Winner - Speranza Albesni

Runner Up - Sarah Cimino

Collegiate

Winner - Meghan Stanger

Runner Up - Yonatan Orlov

​

CTV SPORTS STAR OF THE WEEK - Yonatan Orlov

Watch the CTV Sports of the Week

Travelling the world, twirling a baton, by Troy Westwood Canstar Community News

by Troy Westwood, Canstar Community News 

Westwood's Sports Heroes

​

Yonatan Orlov is an 18 year old who travels the world competing in a sport he loves. And that sport is baton twirling.

"I got started in the sport when I was about 11," he says. "I got interested in it through a talent show I watched in Grade 6. I used to be in gymnastics and after I saw that show I thought I would give baton a try."

Shortly after that show, Yonatan set things into action to get involved.

"(First) I had to find a coach. Greendell Community Centre had a baton program (and) the coach said they were having a competition and that I should watch it," he recalls.

"Well, I watched it and I really liked it. The next year I signed up in the Greendell Baton and Dance program. Ever since that day I have been with the club twirling."

A recent graduate of Glenlawn Collegiate, Yonatan now is in his first year of science at the University of Winnipeg.

"I enjoy science," he says. "For now my goal is to eventually go into physiotherapy."

Yonatan and his dad Sergey, mom Olga, and sister Rina live in Sage Creek."I am very thankful for my family. My mom and dad have always been very supportive," he says.

2018 Provincials

Congratulations to our Manitoba Contingent!  Good luck at Canadians this July in WINNIPEG!

​

Joyce Receives Recognition in the Legislature

MLA Christine Melnick honours Coach Joyce Ormshaw for her many years of service and dedication to baton twirling.  Listen to Ms. Melnick's tribute.

Team 'Toba Wins Silver Medal at International Cup Qualifier

Eleven Manitoba athletes qualified to represent Canada at the International Cup in Abbotsford, B.C. this summer.  They were amongst 160 athletes from across Canada that competed at the International Cup Qualifier here in Winnipeg, May 15-17 at Investor's Group Athletic Centre at the University of Manitoba. 

Shaw TV visits Greendell Baton and Dance

Shaw TV Visits our Greendell twirlers. This segment will debut on the show “Go! Winnipeg” Saturday, February 13th and will play multiple times a day until Wednesday. It’ll debut on the show “Sports Talk” beginning next Friday, February 19th and will air multiple times a day for two weeks!
 

RON KOPAS AWARD RECIPIENT

Congratulations to Yonatan Orlov for receiving the Ron Kopas Award for the highest Men's Solo Score at the 2016 Canadian Championships in Edmonton, Alberta. Yonatan scored a mark of 8.0 before penalties.  Well done!

Yonatan and Laura at the WORLD BATON TWIRLING COMPETITION

For the first time in two decades, Manitoba was represented on Team Canada in the individual freestyle division at the WBTF World Championships.  Seventeen year old Yonatan Orlov qualified in the Jr Men's Division, and sixteen year old Laura Tymchyshyn accepted the alternate position in the Jr Women's Division over the May long weekend at the Canadian Team Trials in Ontario.  Both athletes cross trained several hours per week with their coaches, Dana Peteleski, Leisha Strachan, and Jane Tan.  They left for Sweden on August 6th.  Laura and Yonatan had polished run throughs at their music tests.  Going into the freestyle competition in 9th place, Yonatan performed his best routine of the year.  A no drop routine moved him into 8th place, just shy of the finals.  These two athletes will be ones to watch in the future as their hard work and determination shone through to make it to this competition.

​

Red River Ex

Unlike at the Kidsfest, the weather was clear and sunny for our performances at the Red River Ex.  We put on two short performances for the kids and their parents in the children's area.  Special mention goes out to Spiderman who learned some tricks from Maddison. 

For the love of twirling

by Simon Fuller, Canstar Community News

​

Laura Tymchyshyn is grateful to have baton twirling in her life.

The 16-year-old Southdale resident is a member of Aerial Fusion Baton, which is now accepting registrations for upcoming season. The club operates out of various gyms in the East Kildonan and Transcona areas. Another local club, Greendell Baton and Dance, which operates out of Greendell Park Community Centre (75 Woodlawn Ave.), is also accepting registrations.

​

Tymchyshyn has been twirling of eight years, having joined Aerial Fusion from the Southdale-based dance studio Magic ‘n’ Motion in 2012. And from the moment she picked up a baton for the first time, the Dakota Collegiate student has not looked back.

​

Read full article  

Sport Manitoba Scholarship

Congratulations Milana Schipper, 2013/14 Provincial team member, on winning a Sport Manitoba Scholarship. 

2016 Jewish Athlete of the Year Nominee

Many congratulations to 17-year-old Yonatan Orlov, who was recently recognized for his outstanding achievements at the 2016 Annual Rady JCC Sports Dinner, as a nominee for the 2016 Max & Indy Nusgart Jewish Athlete of the Year.  What a wonderful opportunity to showcase our sport with approximately 1200 guest in attendance, including NFL Hall of Famer, Dan Marino.  Thank you for being such an exceptional ambassador for baton twirling and best wishes at the upcoming World Championships in Sweden.