Manitoba Athletes representing Canada at the International Cup, Limoges, France - August 2019
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.
Inspiring a Generation
A CONVERSATION WITH DR. LEISHA STRACHAN. Press Read more to see the article. https://news.umanhttps://news.umanitoba.ca/inspiring-a-generation/?fbclid=IwAR3So9Nb7ia5_R_ZycTX1prejAL2YV-QJ2z-9bIbi0_OymtOwJ6MxA6vKfIitoba.ca/inspiring-a-generation/
“Winter Classic” virtual competition
“Winter Classic” virtual competition went great! Thanks to the athletes, our judges LeeAnn Wilson, Kyla Wilson and their team, our competition directors Kristin Macaraeg and Yonatan Orlov, coaches representative Rhaychelle Tan, coaches, parents and volunteers.
Manitoba Baton 2021 - A Year in Review
Manitoba Baton 2021 - A Year in Review.
It was a hard year with the COVID-19 pandemic but we found ways to stay connected and enjoy our sport. Enjoy our video! https://youtu.be/SuoeRcaGtPo
Jumpstart Grant
Manitoba Baton has been selected by @CTJumpstart to receive a grant from their Sport Relief Fund. The fund helps community sport organizations like ours continue to provide access to sport and play for Canadian kids. This grant will go a long way towards helping us provide additional outreach opportunities targeting underserved communities in Winnipeg.
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.
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.
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!
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
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!
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!
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.
Bronze Medal Finish at Baton Twirling Cup in B.C
St. James Assiniboia School Division Newsletter
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
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