Committed to inclusion in calisthenics

JARRAH Page has been recognised for her dedication to inclusion at Surf Coast Calisthenics.

She was awarded the 2023 inclusion of the year award by Calisthenics Victoria at a Melbourne ceremony earlier in the month.

Calisthenics is a mix of sport and art, bringing together dancing, singing, gymnastics and technical skill.

The 24-year-old started teaching dance at All Aboard Disability Support Services in 2020 when the girls she was teaching started to show an interest in calisthenics.

Last year she established the All Abilities team at Surf Coast Calisthenics, providing the wider community and those with a disability the opportunity to get involved in the sport.

The All Abilities classes include fun games and activities while participants learn techniques in ballet, dance, marching and more.

For Ms Page, her favourite part about coaching is seeing how happy performing makes her students.

“I like seeing the girls on stage and working hard each week,” she said.

“There’s different things that have been rewarding, them coming to class each week and trying really hard.”

At the end of each year Surf Coast Calisthenics hold a concert, for the past two year the group from All Aboard have also participated.

Jarrah was 10 years old when she first started the sport.

“I was young at that time, but I think I just wanted to perform and dance and try out different dance styles,” she said.

Surf Coast Calisthenics president and Jarrahs mum, Melissa, said although the all abilities girls got a lot out of the program, so did Jarrah.

“Jarrah as their coach, gets as much, if not more out of it.

“It’s actually amazing for all the children and the teenagers and adults at our club, they bring them so much joy as well.”

Along with teaching the All Abilities class, Ms Page also coaches the Tinies and Cali kids.

For more information on Surf Coast Calisthenics, head to revolutionise.com.au/surfcoastcali