Over 1,000 gymnasts to converge on the Sunshine Coast this weekend
June 27, 2014
The Sunshine Coast will welcome over 1,000 gymnasts from across Queensland to the region this weekend as it plays host to this year’s Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) and Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG) State Club Championships at the Caloundra Indoor Stadium between 28 June and 1 July.
The event, which has been held on the Sunshine Coast for the past seven years, sees the state’s best battle it out for the coveted state medals and brings an influx of visitors to the region as gymnasts and often their families travel from across the state to be here.
Gymnastics Queensland Chief Executive Officer Kym Dowdell said they were delighted to once again host the event on the Sunshine Coast given the quality of the venue and people’s willingness to come to the region.
“Hosting an event in such a beautiful location definitely adds to the appeal and we’re delighted to be on the Sunshine Coast again this year,” said Ms Dowdell.
“It’s also great to see three local clubs as part of the line-up with Maroochy Beach Gymnastics, Cooroy Gymnastics Club and the Sunshine Coast Gymnastics Academy competing over the weekend.”
The event, which also includes the much-anticipated Border Challenge Competition, will showcase the best gymnasts from each club and offers a great opportunity for the state’s up-and-coming talent to learn from the best.
Ms Dowdell said gymnasts would compete on apparatus such as the vault, rings, parallel bars, horizontal bar, pommel horse, uneven bars and balance beam as well as completing floor routines to demonstrate a series of tumbles and other strength and flexibility displays.
“Those interested in the sport are more than welcome to come along and witness some of the country’s most talented gymnasts in action,” Ms Dowdell said.
“Gymnastics is a high energy sport incorporating plenty of complex moves and routines, so spectating is a great way to keep the whole family entertained.”
“We also find many of the kids that come along and watch develop a love of the sport and are often inspired to sign up at their local gymnastics club.”
The State Championships are hosted by Gymnastics Queensland and sponsored by the Sunshine Coast Council and Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd.
In addition to the 1,000-plus artistic gymnasts competing in Caloundra this weekend, the state’s sport aerobics gymnasts also converging on the University of the Sunshine Coast Sports Stadium Sunshine Coast on 28-29 June to compete in the Aerobic Gymnastics Queensland Cup.
Gymnasts from nine clubs will compete in the two-day event, which is always popular with spectators due to the high level of creativity on display.
“Routines usually combine elements of traditional aerobics, sports acrobatics and rhythmic gymnastics with music, dance and choreography, so we’re bound to see a range of high energy performances,” Ms Dowdell said.
“The competition is set to be strong this year, with athletes competing against some of the state’s best gymnasts.”
Ms Dowdell said those looking for some weekend family entertainment were welcome to come along and spectate, with the event open to the public.
For further details regarding this event, please visit www.gymqld.org.au.
Ends.
EVENT DETAILS
WHAT Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) and Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG) State Club Championships and Border Challenge Competition.
WHEN Saturday, 28 June. 8.00am-7.15pm.
Sunday, 29 June. 8.45am-8.45pm.
Monday, 30 June. 8.05am-8.00pm.
Tuesday, 1 July. 8.05am-5.40pm.
WHERE Caloundra Indoor Stadium, North Street, Golden Beach, Caloundra.
MORE INFORMATION On-the-ground contact: Ben Williams, 0408 739 952 (media use only).
General enquiries: 07 3036 5607.
PR contact: Kristen Roder, Fresh PR & Marketing, 0406 546 461, kristen@freshprm.com.au.
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