In 1975 Burlington welcomed a distinguished new resident, Steve Mitruk to it’s community. Senior Provincial and National Champion in Men’s Gymnastics. He was a member on the Canadian Men’s Gymnastics Team from 1968 to 1976 competing in National Championships, North American Championships, Pan-American Games, two World Championships and two Olympic Games. As a student at McMaster he competed in two World Student Games (FISU) and was the first recipient of McMaster’s Ivor Wynne Trophy. He was inducted into the University’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1986.
Steve brought with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field of gymnastics, while at the same time showing the determination and gift that made him a champion performer. He immediately became involved in gymnastics at the local level. He coached the gymnastics team in the Burlington International Games, establishing a reputation as a knowledgeable and demanding coach.
In 1978 Steve founded the Burlington Boys Gymnastics Club. Under his direction as Head Coach and Board member, the club grew rapidly. Initially 34 children participated in the Saturday morning recreation program at M.M. Robinson High School, and soon it expanded to satellite programs in two more locations. The program grew to include pre-school, pre-competitive, competitive gymnastics and trampoline in a rental facility.
Steve introduced plans for a permanent site to the City of Burlington. They could see the merit in supporting such a venture. In 1985 the Burlington Boys Gymnastics Club opened its’ world-class gym on Maple Avenue. Eventually the enrolment had grown to approximately 1600 children - producing many national and international gymnasts and trampolinists. Steve also introduced a tumbling program to the club as well as a very successful adult gymnastics program.
In addition to coaching and administrating the Gym Club, Steve was also very active coaching at McMaster University from 1978–80 and 1987-91. Steve became a respected judge of gymnastics and trampoline - both at the provincial and national levels. He also served on the Ontario and Canadian Gymnastics Federations in numerous volunteer capacities, including Men’s Gymnastics Technical Committee as Judging Chair and Chair of the Ontario Trampoline and Tumbling committee. He was a member of the Ontario Gymnastics Federation Board of Directors for two years. Steve is a level two course Instructor positively impacting many coaches nationally.
Steve Mitruk’s contribution to gymnastics has spanned an extraordinary period of 45 years. Committing 22 years to judging gymnastics and trampoline, served 23 years volunteering on provincial and national committees and competitions. As a builder of the sport of gymnastics he has made an impressive impact. His contribution to athletes in Burlington is remarkable. We admire and respect his commitment to the sport of gymnastics and commend his service to the community by welcoming Steve Mitruk into the Burlington Sports Hall of Fame “Class of 2015”