GYMNASTICS has cartwheeled its way up the sporting popularity ranks in Warrnambool.
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With a solid program, motivated co-ordinator and permanent practice venue, interest in competitive and recreational gymnastics has boomed in the city.
A Warrnambool City Council report this month said the number of visits a year had ballooned from 12,172 in 2009 to 17,874 (these figures include repeat visits by individuals).
Gymnastics co-ordinator Pam Davis said the sport had found the perfect recipe for success in the region.
Having a stable residence at the Warrnambool Showgrounds got the program well on its way, she said.
“I think it’s a combination of two or three things,” Davis said.
“The position is more central and more convenient for parents.
“The quality of the program we offer is fantastic and we’re really lucky with the coaches we’ve got here.”
As well as offering classes for competitive gymnasts, the sport is also popular with birthdays, school and kinder groups and support networks Vantage and Karingal.
Davis said teenagers and adults were also taking up the challenge to learn new skills and maintain fitness.
“It caters for those who want to go further and for those who just want to learn how to somersault and cartwheel but don’t want to be competitive,” she said.
“We’re happy to accommodate everyone.”
The experienced coaching team of nine is led by Julie Bartlett, Tara Preston and Tegan Smith.
Davis said some gymnasts trained up to nine hours a week at the showgrounds location.
She said the Warrnambool Springers club committee had worked hard to nurture budding talent, host competitions, fund-raise and provide pathways to higher levels. “It is a joint effort,” Davis said.
While primary school-aged girls typically crowd gymnastics classes, Davis said people of all ages — including many boys — were giving it a go.
“It’s an individual sport,” she said.
“If they want to compete then they can, if they don’t they don’t have to. That’s the beauty of it.”
The club will hold a junior practice competition on Sunday before its annual invitational event in July, which attracts squads from Portland, Hamilton, Horsham, Mount Gambier, Geelong and Footscray.
