Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) and Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG) State Club Championships
Almost 1,200 gymnasts from over 36 clubs around Queensland will head to the Sunshine Coast next week for the annual Gymnastics Queensland State Club Championships between 28 June and 2 July at Caloundra Indoor Stadium.
Local athletes from Maroochy Beach Gymnastics Association, YMCA Caloundra Gymnastics Club, Cooroy Gymnastics Club, Gympie Gymnastics Club will take part in the competition as they vie for the title of Queensland Club Champion.
Gymnastics Queensland Chief Executive Officer Kym Dowdell said the annual Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) and Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG) State Club Championships would also feature the much-anticipated Border Challenge competition and Special Olympics also scheduled as part of the event.
“This event is a special one on the gymnastics calendar because gymnasts have the opportunity to work together as part of a team, rather than as individuals, which encourages comradery and strengthens club spirit,” Ms Dowdell said.
“Highly skilled athletes aged from 6 to 33 years will be out to prove that their club is the best in the state.
“More than 780 female gymnasts will show their athleticism and skill on apparatus such as vault, uneven bars and balance beam as well as completing floor routines throughout the event.
“Our 285 male gymnasts will also take to the floor for their routines, as well as compete in rings, pommel horse, vault, parallel bars, and horizontal bar.”
Ms Dowdell said that the four days of competition will open with the fiercely contested Border Challenge, which will see clubs from Northern Territory, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia take on the very best Queensland gymnastics talent.
“Last year our Queensland gymnasts were fortunate enough to win each of the three divisions on the program so I’m sure they have been training hard to defend the title once again,” said Ms Dowdell.
“I’m certain there will be some fierce but friendly rivalry between the 100 gymnasts competing in the Border Challenge.”
The event will also include a Special Olympics program, taking place on the Sunday of competition, and will feature 18 gymnasts, an increase from last year.
The Special Olympics sees athletes with an intellectual disability showcase their gymnastics prowess in an environment of inclusion and acceptance.
Taking place during Queensland school holidays, Ms Dowdell said that with so many high-energy routines on display, the event will provide plenty of action and entertainment for spectators.
“We encourage members of the public to come along and watch our talented and skilled gymnasts in action, it will truly be a spectacle.”
“Entry is free for children under 18, with adult tickets available at the door and starting from just $15 per session.”
The Gymnastics Queensland WAG and MAG State Club Championships and Border Challenge will be held at the Caloundra Indoor Stadium, North Street, Golden Beach on 28 June to 2 July.
For further details regarding this event, please visit www.gymqld.org.au.
