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The Manitoba Baton Twirling Sportive Association (MBTSA) is a non-profit, volunteer organization whose mandate is to promote and encourage the sport of baton twirling throughout the province of Manitoba at competitive and non-competitive levels.
MBTSA aims to develop fitness and good sportsmanship, and encourages competitive athletes to develop their ability toward regional, national and international skill levels.
Savannah Miller (USA) Senior Women's Freestyle World Silver Medalist, 2018
Golden Hearts Baton Team (Japan) WBTF IC GOLD MEDALISTS, 2019
Sport Manitoba Night of Champions
March 22, 2020
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
December 18, 2019
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.
Last 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," Yonatan’s mother, Olga Orlov observes.
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 sport 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 spent long days sharing his skills with his eager students, as Russia does not have highly proficient baton twirling coaches and they must rely on coaches from other countries for this training. Their equipment is very basic so he brought donated batons he collected from the Manitoba baton twirling community.
Orlov is a student in the Faculty of Science at the University of Manitoba, and plans on competing at the World Baton Twirling competition next summer in Riccione, Italy. As for balancing his studies with training he says, “baton twirling provides a foundation for an individual to develop their time management as many hours must be put to perfect this magnificent sport.”
Orlov continues to coach Russian athletes via video link, and hopes to visit Russia again in the new year.
MBTSA IS THE CBTF EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR...AGAIN!
July 2019
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.
Lynda Garland Award of Excellence Recipient, Leisha Strachan
July, 2019
Congratulations Leisha Strachan, 2019 CBTF recipient of the Lynda Garland’s Award for Excellence, recognizing her remarkable accomplishments as a baton coach!
Manitoba's best in baton off to France
06/17/2019
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.
Sport Manitoba Order of Sport Excellence
January 18, 2019
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.
Twirl, baton and roll by Naniece Ibrahim
November 2, 2018
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
October 1, 2018
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
Yonatan Orlov combines grace, athleticism, juggling in a masterful display of baton twirling
July 5, 2018
Dana Peteleski awarded Lynda Garland Award by CBTF
July 2017
Saint John, New Brunswick
KidsFest 2015
June 6, 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.
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
Our athletes performed at Manitoba Hydro's Festival of Trees and Lights. Athletes performed both individual and group routines set to festive Christmas music to celebrate the holiday season. Surrounded by beautifully decorated trees and lights, our performers put on a lively and entertaining show.
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.
Canadian Championships, Oshawa
June 27 - July 2nd
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
April 23, 2016
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
November 26, 2019
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
March 11, 2017
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!
May 26, 2016
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
April 2019
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
January 13, 2020
The lucky winner of this raffle is Ticket holder # 2913, C. Northam. Prize is a $500 Sobeys card!
Thank you for supporting MBTSA!
September 14, 2016
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
September 22, 2017
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
January 18, 2019
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
Travelling the world, twirling a baton, by Troy Westwood Canstar Community News
September 18, 2017
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.
Team 'Toba Wins Silver Medal at International Cup Qualifier
May 17, 2015
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.
February 12, 2016
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!
Yonatan and Laura at the WORLD BATON TWIRLING COMPETITION
Add Date here
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.
For the love of twirling
Sept 27, 2016
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.
Sport Manitoba Scholarship
Congratulations Milana Schipper, 2013/14 Provincial team member, on winning a Sport Manitoba Scholarship.
2016 Jewish Athlete of the Year Nominee
June 23, 2016
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.