In Loving Memory of Tom Zivic (1937-2025)
To honour Tom's incredible legacy, in lieu of flowers, select a donation amount below to contribute to the Tom Zivic Bursary at York University, which financially assists student-athletes with their education. For more on Tom's life and legacy, click here.
Professor Tom Zivic, former gymnastics coach and York Sport Hall of Fame inductee, sadly passed away on April 14, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer. Always an exceptional athlete, he brought his skills and love of sport and competition wherever he taught.
Tom Zivic established one of the most impressive coaching records of any university coach in Canada. Under his direction, from 1968 through 1993, York University’s teams won 21 OUA (then OUAA) and 18 U SPORTS (then CIAU) championships; and York gymnasts won 15 individual and dozens more provincial titles. In addition to developing the strongest university gymnastics program in Canada, Tom served on, and was Chairman of, the Ontario Gymnastic Federation and the Canadian Gymnastics Federation. He was inducted to the York University Sport Hall of Fame in 1983. He served as coach of Canadian Olympic gymnasts from 1976-1984 and was Canada's national coach for the World Championships in 1979, 1981, 1983 and 1985, as well as the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
Regardless of the community of friends, students, campers and team, Tom's influence was universal. He was an educator with a strong work ethic, honest and driven, yet Tom's focus on positive reinforcement became the north-star for his coaching team and camp staff. He was most proud of lifetime of achievements "outside of the gym" of his athletes and family. May his infectious love of living life to the fullest continue to be shared.
Our primary contact for the fund will be notified of the total amount received and donor names, unless given anonymously, on an ongoing basis.
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