Lethbridge parents demand change after sexual assault charges against coach
Parents of children who attended the Lethbridge Gymnastics Academy (LGA) are calling for better protection of young athletes following the recent arrests of the facility’s co-owner Jamie Ellacott.
“Nowadays, I just don't feel comfortable leaving my kids with adults I don't know,” said Scott Macneil, whose daughter attended summer camps at the academy.
As of Tuesday, the doors were locked and lights were out at the LGA. The facility is now permanently shut down, according to an email obtained by CTV News, which was sent to club members.
It comes nearly a week after 33-year-old Ellacott was charged with sexual assault and sexual interference involving three children. Those charges follow his arrest last month for allegedly sexually abusing another child.
The closure also leaves some parents without a refund or explanation.
“As a single parent out $300, yes, that is difficult, but it is frustrating when a business owner can't pick up the phone and just explain this is what's going on and either you’re going to get your refund or we are not going to give you a refund,” said Mallory Kristjanson, whose child also attended the academy.
The Alberta Gymnastics Federation's safe sport policy recommends member clubs adopt the Rule of Two, meaning a coach is never alone or out of sight with a student. It’s a policy many parents believe should be mandatory.
“I think it's every extracurricular activity, ever sport, activity, that children, vulnerable children, are placed in that if there are policies where there are supposed to be, two coaches to one child, that that is actually followed through,” Kristjanson said.
Macneil said once he was made aware of the situation, he immediately took his daughter out of the academy and switched her to a different organization.
“It's terrifying all the time and just kind of leaving your daughter alone with adults you don't know and then for something like this to happen, it just sent me over the edge where she was out of here as quick as I could get her out,” said Macneil.
But, Macneil says it's not just gymnastics and he wants all parents to be cautious going forward.
“I just find this is happening far too often to kids in sports, in schools, in all the safe places they're supposed to be and this is just coming to the forefront way to often,” he said.
The group of parents said whether they get refunded or not, they just want kids to be safe.
“If I don't see my money back or if we don't see our money back, we are okay with that because we want to make sure not a single child has to go through anything like this again,” Kristjanson said.
CTV News reached out to the academy and its owner multiple times for comment, but have not heard back.
Ellacott was released from custody and is bound by numerous conditions, including no contact with any of the complainants or witnesses. He’s set to appear in court on Aug. 31.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.