Belgravia Group expands presence in children’s activity market with GymbaROO acquisition

November 23, 2023

The Belgravia Group has anounced its acquisition of Australian owned children’s exercise group GymbaROO-KindyROO.

With the aim of helping one million children become physically active each year across Australia and New Zealand, Belgravia Group, headed by Chair and Chief Executive, Geoff Lord has a commitment to increasing children's participation in movement activities.

Looking to forward to fostering the brand, its staff, franchisees, members and operations for many decades to come, Lord stated “it's incredibly exciting to chaperone GymbaROO on its next chapter. It’s with great respect and genuine gratitude that we acknowledge the work that GymbaROO founder Margaret Sasse put in all those years ago, and we’re proud to play a role in seeing GymbaROO being handed over from one great Australian family to another."

With over 12,000 children attending GymbaROO each term across more than 60 venues in Australia and delivered in seven overseas countries, the program has been a cornerstone of children's development. Both companies are true believers that kids moving in their daily lives is key to their development, both physically and mentally.

Dr Jane Williams, Director of Research & Education at GymbarROO, added “while it is with a degree of sadness that the ownership of the GymbaROO-KindyROO program moves on after 40 years of development and growth by the Sasse Family, we are looking forward to working with another Australian family, the Belgravia Group, and feel very positive about the future of the program in their hands.

“Founder of GymbaROO-KindyROO, Margaret Sasse’s greatest wish was for the program to be available to as many Australian children as possible, and it is our belief that the Belgravia Group will bring new enthusiasm to the growth and development of the GymbaROO-KindyROO programs both in Australia and around the world. Several Sasse Family members will work closely with team members from Belgravia Group to ensure a smooth transition and ongoing connectivity and communication between attending families, staff, and franchisees.”

The Belgravia Group, known for its diverse portfolio of active brands, including Genesis Health and Fitness, Ninja Parc, Jump Swim Schools, BK’s Gymnastics, Recreational Gymnastics Australia, Belgravia Outdoor Education and Belgravia Leisure, is excited to welcome GymbaROO-KindyROO to the family.

The group has extensive ownership in other ancillary brands which support access to fitness equipment, apparel and facilities which house businesses delivering programs for children and their parents across Australia and New Zealand.

In addition to its commercial ventures, Belgravia Group is committed to social responsibility and has established the Belgravia Foundation to ensure that everyone, regardless of physical, financial, or cognitive disadvantages, has access to sports, leisure, aquatics and recreation. This commitment further aligns with the principles of GymbaROO.

20th November 2023 - Swimming Australia and Belgravia Leisure renew water safety lessons program

4th November 2023 - Gymnastics Australia responds to latest national AusPlay report

25th September 2023 - Cérge partnership with Belgravia Foundation and Belgravia Leisure secures 2023 AUSactive National Innovation Award

7th August 2023 - Belgravia Group’s Geoff Lord inspired by immersion therapy

24th July 2023 - BK’s Gymnastics opens new Sydney facility at the Heffron Centre

10th July 2023 - Belgravia Leisure urges parents to prioritise childrens’ swimming lessons

30th May 2023 - BK’s Gymnastics to introduce ‘Strong Seniors’ program across Australia

3rd May 2023 - Belgravia Academy launches successful pool lifeguard course and new promotion

25th April 2023 - BK’s Gymnastics introduces Superstars all abilities program

11th April 2023 - Members report benefits as Recreational Gymnastics Australia grows

31st January 2023 - BK’s Gymnastics launches new programs to broaden appeal of the sport

30th January 2023 - Belgravia Group’s Aquatics Manager Wayne Goldsmith inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame

15th December 2022 - Gymnastics Clubs Australia announces dates and keynote speaker for 2023 National Congress

28th November 2022 - National BK’s Gymnastics network secures first regional location

25th July 2022 - Gymnastics Clubs Australia announces new inductees for their Hall of Fame

20th July 2022 - BK’s Gymnastics launches new class programs offering clear progression pathways

18th July 2022 - Belgravia Group launches Recreational Gymnastics Australia

30th June 2022 - BK’s Gymnastics sites experience surge in demand for their programs

24th June 2020 - GeckoSports offers new franchise opportunities to sports coaches

4th July 2019 - IHRSA provides guidance on children in gyms

8th February 2018 - Belgravia Group commits to boosting physical activity among Australian children

26th October 2017 - MyFirstGym looks to target growth potential in children’s fitness

3rd July 2016 - Australian children slide down global fitness rankings

21st September 2015 - Fun Fit Kidz opens as Sydney’s first fitness facility for children

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.