GymMaster
Contact: Australia: (+61) 1800 849 001 New Zealand: (+64) 3 668 5727 International: (+1) 415 915 0375
read moreParticipation in gymnastics in Queensland has grown 23% over the past year, with the state’s representative body for the sport, Gymnastics Queensland, recording its highest membership in 70 years.
Gymnastics Queensland Chief Executive, Chris Rushton attributes last year's significant rise to a burgeoning focus on getting active due to the COVID-19 pandemic; recognition of gymnastics as a sport that teaches fundamental movement; and Gymnastics Queensland clubs' COVIDSafe approach to activities through the past year.
The Sunshine Coast posted one of Queensland’s largest increases. Across 20 Sunshine Coast clubs, member numbers have increased by 2782 or 47% from 2020 to 2021. There are now 8641 gymnasts on the Sunshine Coast, with the opening of clubs at Mango Hill and Hervey Bay in 2021 helping fuel that growth.
Rushton advises “we now have 57,000 members across 124 clubs state wide, with more than 60,000 members expected in 2022.
“In Brisbane, we’ve had venues open in high growth areas like Mango Hill, North Lakes and Richlands which has brought with it a large number of sign-ups.
“Coupled with watching our athletes on the global stage at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the announcement of Brisbane as host of the 2032 Games, interest in our sport is growing.”
Rushton said the pandemic had also had an immense impact on physical wellbeing with a flow-on effect to gymnastics noting “over the past year we’ve noticed a real shift in families seeing the benefits of gymnastics.
“Gymnastics is recognised as a sport that teaches fundamental movement – such as how to balance, jump, leap, run, hop and balance – and it increases strength and confidence.”
Rushton also attributed the growth of participation to Gymnastics Queensland clubs’ COVIDSafe approach to activities through the past year adding “with sign-in and hygiene requirements, our well-run clubs have been really focused on safety; I think parents have recognised that and it’s attracted more people to our sport.”
While gymnastics membership has grown, clubs across Queensland need more coaches, with Gymnastics Queensland to launch a marketing campaign in January to attract new blood to the sport.
“Many don’t realise gymnastics coaching is a viable employment option,” Rushton said.
“You don’t have to have experience in gymnastics, you just need to be able to engage with kids; it’s a great job for those looking to make a difference in a child’s life.
“Clubs will provide support and training with casual, part time and full-time roles available. Coaching in gymnastics is paid employment and you learn some great communication and organisational skills.
“With Brisbane to host the 2032 Olympic Games, it’s an exciting time for our sport. We look forward to welcoming more participants to our sport in the years ahead.”
For more information on the seven different gymsports (including KinderGym/Gymnastics for All, Men’s Artistic, Women’s Artistic, Rhythmic, Trampoline, Aerobic and Acrobatic) or to find a club for sign-up in 2022, visit www.gymqld.org.au/
Images: Gymnasts from across Queensland competed at the Junior State Championships in September 2021.
18th January 2022 - Kitty Chiller leaves her role as Gymnastics Australia Chief Executive
27th December 2021 - Former NSW Gymnastics Coach of the Year charged with sexual assault of teenage pupils
20th December 2021 - Gymnastics Clubs Australia convenes first national event
24th November 2021 - Gymnastics Australia appoints Chris O’Brien as new National High Performance Director
11th November 2021 - Gymnastics Clubs Australia commits to in-person event
8th November 2021 - Two Australians elected to international gymnastics committees
4th October 2021 - Despite challenges gymnastics thrives in Western Australia
9th September 2021 - BK’s Gymnastics to open first Queensland centre
12th August 2021 - Guidelines released to enhance gymnastics facility development across Australia
31st July 2021 - BK’s Gymnastics enters joint venture for Queensland expansion
25th June 2021 - Gymnastics Clubs Australia to stage inaugural National Congress
6th March 2021 - Scott Wilson brings swim school perspectives to Gymnastics Clubs Australia body
22nd September 2020 - Independent Review of gymnastics in Australia now open for public participation
23rd August 2020 - Lawyer warns that Gymnastics Australia inquiry will reveal ‘spectrum’ of abuse allegations
6th August 2019 - Gymnastics Australia releases new ‘Body Positive Guidelines’
28th March 2019 - Gymnastics Australia aims to set new standard in child safety
9th October 2018 - Gymnastics Australia issues statement in response to reports on National Centre of Excellence
19th June 2018 - Gymnastics Australia empowering women in Samoa
28th April 2018 - Gymnastics Australia introduces new child safety measures
20th October 2017 - Gymnastics Australia appoints Kitty Chiller as new Chief Executive
10th September 2017 - Record growth in Gymnastics participation in Victoria
22nd December 2016 - YMCA’s Sunshine Coast facility expands its role as the leading provider of gymnastics in Queensland
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Contact: Australia: (+61) 1800 849 001 New Zealand: (+64) 3 668 5727 International: (+1) 415 915 0375
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