Benita Rope
Inducted In
1996
Benita Rope began coaching community gymnastics in 1960 and in 1972 formed the very successful Cambridge Kips Gymnastics Club.
She was coach of Canada’s team for the 1978 British Commonwealth Games, the 1980 Olympic Games, and many international meets. Under her guidance, the “Kips” produced: two National Champions; four Olympians; ten international competitors; a national team pianist; Provincial and Regional champions; and choreography awards.
With Rope’s leadership, a premier gymnastics training centre was opened in 1980 in Cambridge. She helped organize several international meets in Canada and developed a broad-based training program for thousands of youngsters. She also developed promotional displays, and gymnastics camps and clinics.
The Annual Cambridge Contributors Award, presented for outstanding service in sport, is named after Rope, in honour of her invaluable involvement in gymnastics at all levels.