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With the first term of the 2021 school year having commenced, Gymnastics Victoria is encouraging all children and their parents to return to gymnastics to improve their physical and mental health and wellbeing post COVID-19 lockdowns. Gymnastics Victoria offer a range of programs that are suitable for children of all ages and abilities

Recognised by the Victorian Government as the peak organisation for gymnastics in Victoria, Gymnastics Victoria exists to provide children with as many opportunities as possible to optimise their physical and mental health and wellbeing.

According to Gymnastics Victoria Chief Executive Robin O’Neill, programs such as KinderGym is the perfect way for children aged 0-5 years to become more active post lockdown noting “KinderGym relies on equipment set-ups that are safe, stimulating and provide endless movement opportunities for kids to play, explore and learn.

“The program offers a foundation into fundamental movement for kids while developing co-ordination, self-esteem, physical, social and cognitive development. The program promotes the child as the key focal point and involves active participation of the child's mother, father or carer who also benefit from sharing in their kid’s fun and enjoyment.

“For parents, joining KinderGym gives them the opportunity to socialise with other parents and be part of a local community while at the same time children are learning important problem-solving and decision-making skills.

“As a father myself, I know both kids and parents spent far too much time looking at screens during lockdown. Research shows that kids who spend too much time in front of screens risk health problems such as obesity and issues with posture.  For the sake of their health I encourage all kids and parents to get moving again.”

Based in Packenham, Reach Gymnastics owner and director Rebecca Tilley said Victorians are well-aware of the physical and mental impacts of COVID-19 lockdowns.

Tilley adds “with the return of school now is the time to make sure young Victorians who have been less active during this time get moving again. If parents or carers are looking for ways to get their little ones moving and having lots of fun – KinderGym is the perfect solution.”

With a proven link between exercise and beneficial physical and mental health outcomes, gymnastics centres are important community assets where Victorians kids of all ages can exercise, receive professional instruction, mentoring and get moving.

“As the fastest-growing major participation sport in Victoria, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic Gymnastics Victoria had 127 member clubs, 62,000 members and over 400,000 participants. Gymnastics Victoria provides support to its affiliated clubs to ensure that all gymnastics participants across the state are getting the best possible gymnastics experience.”

Affiliated member clubs have acted proactively and responsibly throughout this pandemic. They have been a constructive voice that has worked continuously to give key decision makers a real-world view about how gymnastics centres can manage COVID-19 and play a safe role in getting Victorian kids moving again.

Further information about Gymnastics Victoria’s KinderGym program can be found here.

Image top courtesy of Seaford Kindergym; and image above courtesy of Reach Gymnastics Packenham Facebook 

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