A message of Olympic proportions

Olympic gymnast Ellie Black of Halifax speaks to students at GP Vanier

Ireland McDonald and Jordan Bowers pose with Olympic gymnast Ellie Black in this 2017 photo. (Submitted photo)

FALL RIVER: Students at Georges P. Vanier Junior High in Fall River received a message of Olympic proportions from a Halifax gymnast.

Fresh off her historic silver medal placing in the all-around final at the worlds last month—Canada’s first ever medal in the all-arounds—Ellie Black visited the Fall River junior high speaking to the students about her journey to where she is today.

Ellie Black speaking to students at G.P. Vanier. (Vanier Vipers twitter photo)

It was a message heard loud and clear by Ireland McDonald and Jordan Bowers, both aspiring gymnasts who call Waverley home.

”It was interesting to listen to her because we’re both gymnasts too,” said McDonald. “It was cool to hear her story, experiences, and the lead up to where she is now.”

Ellie Black with Mr. Crawford, left, and Mr. Hanlon right. Also pictured is Christina Brien. (Vanier Vipers twitter photo)

Bower said Ellie spoke about her ups and downs as a gymnast.

“I liked how she talked about her goals and how she never expected to be going to the Olympics,” said Bower.

“I liked how she talked about achieve her goal and how it’s possible for people to do that.”

What’s the message they’re taking away from Black’s speech?

“That we can accomplish things like that,” said Bower.

“We just have to work hard to achieve it,” added McDonald. “It was great to have her here.”

Ellie Black and the GPV students who she spoke too. (Vanier Vipers twitter photo)