OTTAWA, ON – Gymnastics Canada is proud to unveil a bold new sponsorship program, redefining how partners engage with Canadian athletes, fans, and communities. Under the banner “Canada’s Most Flexible Sport Offers Canada’s Most Flexible Sport Sponsorship,” the initiative presents a first-of-its-kind model tailored for maximum brand integration, athlete empowerment, and sport-wide impact in the lead-up to the LA 2028 Olympic Games.
A 360° Summer Sport Opportunity
Gymnastics is among Canada’s most decorated and dynamic Olympic sports. With global podiums, growing fan engagement, and coast-to-coast grassroots reach, Gymnastics Canada’s new approach with corporate partners reinforces what the data shows: Gymnastics is a key sport for brands to invest in heading into LA 2028.
- Gymnastics has the potential to reach over 7 million Canadians as 32% of those aged 13-to-64 engage with the sport
- Three-quarters (75%) believe that gymnastics, a foundational sport, is important for the overall development of children
- Engagement with the sport of Gymnastics has trended steadily up since 2019
- Over half a million Canadians are likely to have their consideration of a brand increased if they sponsor Gymnastics
- Gymnastics ranks in the top most-followed sports during the Games
- Gymnastics Canada offers brands an opportunity to join in on the women’s sport movement: The sport has a 60% female fan-base and the sport ranks #1 when Canadians are asked to share their earliest memory of cheering for female athletes.
A New Era of Sponsorship: Flexible, Performance-Based, and Athlete-Centric
Gymnastics Canada’s new model invites brands to become long-term collaborators through a three-part value proposition:
Flexible Pricing
Partnership fees are results driven. If GymCan and/or our Olympians deliver on business results and/or podium success, partner contributes increase. Importantly, 100% of any resulting bonuses will go directly to our NIL athletes, ensuring an athlete-centered approach.
Flexible Assets
The partnership portfolio goes far beyond traditional NSO sponsorship offering:
- Name-Image-Likeness (NIL) rights are now available through GymCan partnerships—among the first such offerings by a Canadian NSO—co-developed with the agents of Olympic standout Ellie Black, Pan American champion Félix Dolci, and trampoline medalist Sophiane Méthot.
- Holistic ownership of GymCan’s entire ecosystem, including grassroots digital targeting, national campaigns, and marquee events.
- Presenting sponsorship rights to the Canadian National Championships. Elite Canada and Canadian Gymnaestrada events.
- National Team uniform branding, a high-visibility platform for national pride, brand storytelling and international exposure.
- Access to signature international third-party events, including Toronto’s Koop Cup and Montreal’s L’International Gymnix, expanding brand reach beyond GymCan’s owned calendar.
“This is a uniquely modern approach to elevating an Olympic sport in a competitive NSO landscape,” said Michael Downey, Interim CEO of Gymnastics Canada. “It’s flexible, creative, and designed to deliver value across the entire ecosystem—from grassroots to Olympic podiums.”
Built in Partnership With Athletes and Clubs
The strategy was co-created with athlete representatives, agents, and leaders from across the gymnastics community, designed to deliver shared benefit for the entire ecosystem.
“Gymnastics Canada’s new model is innovative, athlete-centric, and rooted in respect for our voice and value,” said Ellie Black, three-time World medallist and four-time Olympian. “This opens doors for athletes and sponsors alike to build real relationships that support our journeys and inspire the next generation.”
“I’m excited to be part of something this innovative,” said Félix Dolci, Pan Am Games champion. “It gives athletes a platform to build their brands while giving sponsors direct ways to support us on our path to LA 2028.”
“This is a big opportunity—not just for the athletes, but for gymnastics as a whole,” said Sophiane Méthot, Olympic bronze medallist. “I love that we can be part of something that supports the next generation and opens more doors in the sport.”
Join Us on the Road to LA 2028
This strategy positions Gymnastics Canada as a turnkey partner for brands looking to make a meaningful and measurable impact. With a growing fan base, elite athlete stories, and national scale, GymCan offers a rare opportunity to fully own an Olympic sport narrative heading into LA 2028.
Gymnastics Canada’s sponsorship strategy was developed with strategic advisory support from the greater, a Canadian consultancy specializing in the sport sector.
Partnership inquiries: Michael Downey – mdowney@gymcan.org
About Gymnastics Canada
Gymnastics Canada is the national governing body for the sport of gymnastics in Canada. Its mission is to lead the growth and pursuit of excellence in Canadian gymnastics. Through a safe and inclusive environment, Gymnastics Canada supports the development of athletes, coaches, officials, and clubs from grassroots to elite levels. For more information, visit www.gymcan.org.