Although the sport of artistic gymnastics was reasonably well established in New Brunswick, that of rhythmic gymnastics was another matter - at least until Romania's Mariana Ardelean joined the faculty of the Université de Moncton in 1971. As is so often the case with true pioneers, she was faced with selling the sport to her university bosses and the general public, identifying potential talent, training coaches and officials, negotiating for appropriate venues, organizing competitions. That she succeeded can be seen in her appointment as National Coach; and director of the Centre for Excellence, based at U de M, her selection as visiting coach and clinician to the Peoples Republic of China, the creation of a network of local clubs as well as a provincial association, and the achievements of at least two of her protégés - national team member Debbie Bryant and Olympian Lise Gautreau. Enrolled in the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame June 1st, 2002.