A Kelowna trampoline coach has been banned from participating in the sport or in any activities to do with the children he once taught due to multiple criminal offenses, says the organization that oversees the sport.
Angelo Despotas faces three charges under section 162 of the Criminal Code (voyeurism) for unlawfully recording images. He is also charged with one count under section 163.1(2) of the Code (Making child pornography) and one count under section 163.1(4) of the Code (Possessing child pornography). The offences are alleged to have occurred at varying times during the overall time period from March 30, 2015 to May 25, 2015.
Gymnastics BC released a statement earlier this week saying a trampoline coach registered with Gymnastics BC has been charged with multiple criminal offenses.
Both Gymnastics BC and the associated Gymnastics BC member club are co-operating fully with the ongoing investigation. The coach has been suspended by Gymnastics BC and Gymnastics Canada and is banned from coaching, pending the outcome of the judicial process.
“We are saddened and deeply distressed to hear of this situation”, said Gymnastics BC CEO, Brian Forrester. “The safety of children participating in our clubs is the primary concern of Gymnastics BC and its member clubs.”
Gymnastics BC, through its policies and procedures, undertakes a variety of measures such as requiring police record checks for anyone working with children in member club settings.
Based in Vancouver, Gymnastics BC is the provincial governing body for the sport of gymnastics in British Columbia. Its mission is to provide, promote and guide a positive lifelong gymnastics experience. For more information about Gymnastics BC and its programs, please visit Gymnastics BC online at www.gymbc.org