FROM FORMER GYMNASTS

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Ashley J. Hassard, Former Kalev Gymnast and AGG Champion "It's a little ridiculous to think of the incredible impact that Kalev, and specifically Evelyn Koop, has had on my life. Being able to be a part of a team of strong, independent, and

Ashley J. Hassard, Former Kalev Gymnast and AGG Champion

"It's a little ridiculous to think of the incredible impact that Kalev, and specifically Evelyn Koop, has had on my life. Being able to be a part of a team of strong, independent, and dedicated young women from such a young age definitely elevated my sense of self and overall life potential. The drive and passion I was exposed to through being a member of Kalev at the World Championships inspired me in countless ways and the focus and relentless work ethic they instilled in me absolutely played a huge role in making me who I am today." 

Irina S., former Kalev champion "Kalev has opened up a world of opportunities for me , from gymnastics to personal development to my modelling career. Over the year Kalev and Mrs Koop in particular has become like a family to me."  

Irina S., former Kalev champion
"Kalev has opened up a world of opportunities for me , from gymnastics to personal development to my modelling career. Over the year Kalev and Mrs Koop in particular has become like a family to me." 

Christina K, former Kalev Gymnast and AGG Champion "Our team at Kalev was like a family. There would be change year after year but no matter what we gymnasts, the coaches, and Mrs. Koop would always be a tight-knit group. Kalev brought everyone to

Christina K, former Kalev Gymnast and AGG Champion
"Our team at Kalev was like a family. There would be change year after year but no matter what we gymnasts, the coaches, and Mrs. Koop would always be a tight-knit group. Kalev brought everyone together and gave me experiences that can never be matched. I still smile when I think about the times we all laughed through tough trainings, the amazing trips we got to take, and the opportunity to represent Canada at the World Championships. I'll always be thankful for the incredible and irreplaceable memories and lifelong friendships Kalev brought to my life."

Rosie C., former Kalev Campion and Olympian "It was always so inspiring to see that one woman was able to inflict such power and direction for the Rhythmic Gymnastics movement in Canada. Evelyn Koop is an incredibly passionate and driven individ

Rosie C., former Kalev Campion and Olympian
"It was always so inspiring to see that one woman was able to inflict such power and direction for the Rhythmic Gymnastics movement in Canada. Evelyn Koop is an incredibly passionate and driven individual and her work is the very essence of the development of RG and AGG in Canada. Furthermore, miss Koop holds a special place in my heart for always supporting me and for believing I could make it to the very highest level of competition, since the very beginning of my career."

Carolyn H., former Kalev Champion "When I think of what Mrs Koop has accomplished and what she brought to my life, 2 characteristics come to mind: her passion and tenacity that influences a breadth of opportunities. Thanks to her, I've gotten to

Carolyn H., former Kalev Champion
"When I think of what Mrs Koop has accomplished and what she brought to my life, 2 characteristics come to mind: her passion and tenacity that influences a breadth of opportunities. Thanks to her, I've gotten to see more of the world, perform on international stages, and meet some amazing coaches, choreographers and talented gymnasts. I'm proud to say that my first career in RG, AGG and coaching wouldn't have been possible without Mrs Koop." 

Victoria Reznik "Mrs. Koop is the sweetest and most unique person I know. She makes me smile and she make me laugh. She always took me in with open arms and I could not be any more thankful."

Victoria Reznik
"Mrs. Koop is the sweetest and most unique person I know. She makes me smile and she make me laugh. She always took me in with open arms and I could not be any more thankful."

Stephanie K., Former AGG Champion "Mrs. Koop has changed my life by inspiring me to always work hard towards the things I desire. Her hard work is what drove Kalev to become the largest rhythmic gymnastics club in North America. Her dedication is

Stephanie K., Former AGG Champion

"Mrs. Koop has changed my life by inspiring me to always work hard towards the things I desire. Her hard work is what drove Kalev to become the largest rhythmic gymnastics club in North America. Her dedication is forever inspiring, as well as her never ending love and support is what has helped me succeed. Thank you Vana for always showing me that there is a light at the end of the tunnel."

Anjelika Reznik "I saw her [Mrs. Koop] many times! She was actually such a sweet and kind woman. She was also kind of funny and adorable. She helped bring rhythmic gymnastics to Canada. I joined Kalev when I transitioned to national level and it wa

Anjelika Reznik

"I saw her [Mrs. Koop] many times! She was actually such a sweet and kind woman. She was also kind of funny and adorable. She helped bring rhythmic gymnastics to Canada. I joined Kalev when I transitioned to national level and it was the coach she hired that discovered me and turned me into an Olympian. Without Mrs. Koop I would of probably never went to the Olympics! She also promoted Canadian rhythmic gymnastics on the international stage. She would spend a lot of money on the Koop Cup competition trying to bring in international gymnasts to compete and would also organize amazing year end shows that the whole club would get to perform at! She hired a woman to create a whole Cats musical with everyone to perform for our parents and put a lot of effort into all of these events. She would even have little events at her house. She loved socializing and she made our club feel like one big family."

Aleksandra Jurevich, former Kalev Gymnast and RG Champion "My move to Canada as a young girl was exciting. It gave me a chance to be introduced and to be a part of the most beautiful sport - rhythmic gymnastics. When I began to take it seriously, d

Aleksandra Jurevich, former Kalev Gymnast and RG Champion

"My move to Canada as a young girl was exciting. It gave me a chance to be introduced and to be a part of the most beautiful sport - rhythmic gymnastics. When I began to take it seriously, displaying my devotion and love for RG, my family couldn’t have had better support. Evelyn Koop was always there for us, we became closer over the years, and to me she is family. Words cannot describe my gratitude for everything Mrs. Koop has done, not just for me, but for the entire community of rhythmic gymnastics. We have all created friendships that will last a lifetime, memories that we still reminisce, our experiences with our coaches, our travels around the world, achievements we can fall back on, and the dedication and discipline that was instilled into us, which will never compare to an average person."

Nataliya Murzenko Mrs. Koop’s dedication to her athletes and to the sport of Rhythmic Gymnastics have no doubt impacted thousands of lives worldwide. Personally, I have and always will be impressed by her energy, generosity, and passion. She inspi

Nataliya Murzenko
Mrs. Koop’s dedication to her athletes and to the sport of Rhythmic Gymnastics have no doubt impacted thousands of lives worldwide. Personally, I have and always will be impressed by her energy, generosity, and passion. She inspired me to always work hard and live the best possible version of my life, and for that, I must thank you dearly, Mrs. Koop.

FROM FORMER COMPETITORS

Dear Mrs . Koop,

Greeting and heart felt thank you from Denmark from all the people here and parents back in Toronto

We want to thank you for this wonderful opportunity to come to Copenhagen to compete at Easter Cup . It was a great experience and Eye opener for our girls . They had a remarkable experience in participating in this wonderful event .

Valeria was excellent in coaching them and the girls have made significant progress. Valeria was very attentive and correcting them and helping them to improve. She and girls got along very well . The result is evident in such short time .

Thank you , Mrs. Koop again for every thing you have done for us and we are looking forward to participate more of the events like this.

Thank you again

Best regards
Ying

FROM FORMER COACHES
 

"None of us would be here if it weren't for Evelyn Koop and Kalev. Her club was always at the top, and it always will be, because of Evelyn. She is the one to bring the best coaches to Canada, the first to organize a federation here and the championships. She has devoted her whole life to fight for the sport and for Canada."  - Madame Ivanka Tchakarova

PERFORMANCE REFERENCES

"The troupe gave two public performances to full houses at the Workers' Stadium (capacity 15,000) and the Peking Indoor Stadium (capacity 6,000). They also conducted a series of seminars and practices for gymnastics instructors and coaches. Both on and off the gymnasium floor, the troupe served as excellent unofficial emissaries of Canadian youth. The Chinese audiences' reaction to their performances began with initial puzzlement, then growing enjoyment and finally sincere appreciation. Their visit here has been a success both from a public relations and professional gymnastics standpoint and I would be glad if you would convey my congratulations to Mrs. Koop and the other officials of the Kalev Estienne Troupe." - Canadian Ambassador to China, Arthur Menzies, 1978
 

"Sixty-five years of organizing rhythmic gymnastics and promoting it to a receptive public is an astounding achievement. Evelyn Koop has been the prime energizer and motivator in the growth of this sport for over six decades.This is a phenomenal contribution within Canada’s massive sports world. Evelyn has also had a significant international influence and has been recognized for her role in the development of this beautiful sport worldwide.  This weekend, during the Koop Cup competition, we are aware not only of the longevity of Evelyn’s achievements but also of the excellence of the competitors under the tutelage of the Kalev Estienne organization. The club, with Evelyn at its helm, has been a home for many who have gained domestic as well as international laurels for their talent and acquired ability. The government of the Republic of Estonia is indeed proud of Evelyn Koop who is an outstanding Canadian but still undeniably linked to her Estonian heritage. It is widely recognized that Estonians brought the sport of rhythmic gymnastics to Canada and helped to nurture it to its current popular standing. The Republic of Estonia extends its heartiest congratulations to Evelyn Koop for her vitality, stamina and talent. Estonia also wishes Kalev Estienne a successful future brimming with winners." - Laas Leivat, Hon. Consul General for the Republic of Estonia