Jack Mowat was involved as a gymnast and member of the leaders corps at the Central YMCA from 1946-56. Following World War II, when the Amateur Athletic Union was reorganized, Mowat became the gymnastic representative. From 1956-59 he was assistant coach of the Junior gym team at the Central “Y”, from 1957-60 coordinated gymnastics for the City of Winnipeg and in 1960 was instrumental in forming the Manitoba Gymnastics Association.

In 1966, Mowat directed the Nationals and World Trials in Winnipeg. A serious accident at this meet prompted Mowat to encourage the Manitoba Association to become incorporated. In 1967, the Manitoba Gymnastic Association became the first Manitoba Sports Body to break away from the Amateur Athletic Union.

During the 1967 Pan Am Games, Mowat gained status as an International Judge, and continued to judge meets across Canada, Cuba and Santa Domingo. In 1969, he became Head Coach of the Junior team at the Central “Y”, continuing to produce quality gymnasts, including Keith Carter, who represented Canada at the 1976 Olympics. In 1970, he was Meet Director for the National Championships in Winnipeg and for an International meet at the Winnipeg Arena, which drew gymnasts from Japan, Russia and France.

In 1976, he was named National Judging Chairman of the Canadian Gymnastic Federation, and, upon stepping down in 1977, was immediately asked to sit on the committee to develop the National Incentives Award Development Program.

Awarded a Life Membership in the Canadian Gymnastic Federation in 1968, his philosophy “It’s more important to put on a good performance than to win”, kept him at the grass roots level, teaching gymnastics as a volunteer for over 30 years (although he had many opportunities to get involved at a national level). This philosophy has earned him a place in the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame.