Club to host gymnastic comp

ATHLETES from gymnastics clubs throughout the state are set to converge on Ballarat for a local club’s first invitational event in over two years.

Eureka Gymnastics Club’s annual competition has been running since 2014, however with the last two events called off due to lockdowns, head coach Caleb Tivendale said he’s happy to see it return.

“We’re really excited to host it again. This is something I really enjoy running and that the club enjoys doing,” he said.

“It’s a lot of hard work for everyone but it’s good for the club to host it and offer that opportunity for the kids to come and perform competitively.

“We attend similar invitational competitions from other clubs so it’s especially good for our home team to have it here on the apparatuses.

“It really gives them that home advantage in this friendly competition.”

The event will take place from 8.30am to 5.30pm on Sunday, 18 September.

Alongside athletes from Ballarat Gymsports, this year’s event will see about 90 competitors with visitors from Diamond Creek, Shepparton, Bacchus Marsh and Stawell gymnastics clubs.

Eureka Gymnastics Clubs trains athletes from levels three to seven, and all will take part in team-based competitions alongside individual rankings for higher placed gymnasts.

Currently at level four, Grace Lynch has been with the club for about three years and will be participating in the competition for the first time.

She said she’s excited to show off what she’s learned.

“It’s going to be really fun going through all the apparatuses. I’m really looking forward to doing my floor routine, things like my round-off, turns and leaps,” she said.