Inspired by community and personal need to address a gap in Inverness County, Nicole Aucoin founded Cartwheel Academy to fulfill the need for physical activities for children under three. Utilizing her extensive gymnastics background, Cartwheel Academy aimed to provide a structured and engaging environment where children could develop physical skills, socialize, and build a foundation for a healthy lifestyle.  

Classes began part-time in September 2022 and within a few hours of registration, their first session of six weekly classes was full, and they had a waitlist of over 50 children. Cartwheel Academy offers seasonal classes and over time, they’ve grown each session bit by bit so that they now provide fifteen weekly classes accommodating over 100 children.  

“We currently offer a variety of programs designed to cater to different age groups and interests,” said Nicole Aucoin, owner of Cartwheel Academy. “Our offerings include recreational gymnastics classes for children aged six months to 14 years. Additionally, we host birthday parties, day camps, open gym, and special events, providing a wide range of activities to engage and inspire young participants.” 

Since opening, over 150 kids have participated in our programs from Inverness and Victoria counties, with some families traveling as far as an hour and thirty minutes to attend the sessions. Throughout their two years of operation, they have seen a significant increase in interest in gymnastics within the community, driving the club’s expansion of its offerings.  

Starting a brand-new gymnastics club is a significant undertaking. The Knights of Columbus-Cheticamp and Sport Nova Scotia’s Sport Fund provided the club with funding assistance. The community, which has been welcoming, supportive of fundraisers, and spreading the word, has been integral to the club’s success.  

“Having the financial help from those organizations allowed us to buy equipment and start offering programming right away,” said Aucoin. “It also allowed us to establish a strong foundation, enhance our training environment, and offer quality gymnastics from the start.”  

As the club continues to grow, becoming a member of Gymnastics Nova Scotia has been incredibly beneficial. Membership provides the club access to valuable courses and mentorship opportunities, enhancing their coaching capabilities and overall program quality. Additionally, it has given the club administration support, which has been essential in maintaining the club’s high standards and fostering a professional environment.  

Cartwheel Academy hopes to continue expanding its program offerings to teenagers, adults, and seniors. The best way to stay informed of upcoming classes and events at Cartwheel Academy is through its Facebook and Instagram pages. Further information can be found on its website. 

The Cartwheel Academy’s growth was made possible with the assistance of Sport Nova Scotia’s Sport Fund. Check out our Sport Fund eligibility for more information about how Sport Nova Scotia can help support your community sport initiative.