Queensland Gymnastics clubs are launching into LaunchPad

In a bid to teach every young Aussie the fundamentals of how to move your body – on the ground, in the air and everything in between, Gymnastics Queensland is proud to announce the Queensland launch of LaunchPad - the nursery of Australian sport.

This exciting national initiative from Gymnastics Australia is aimed at increasing participation in sport amongst Aussie kids and is designed to have a lifelong effect on children up to the age of twelve and how they participate in healthy, physical activities.

Kym Dowdell, Gymnastics Queensland’s Chief Executive Officer said there was no better time for parents to get their kids active with Australia battling the obesity statistics particularly amongst the younger generation.

“This isn’t about creating the next Olympian, it’s about recognizing the wonderful skills gymnastics gives children and the skills it offers them going forward,” Ms Dowdell said.

“LaunchPad contains a series of gymnastics-based, fundamental movement programs that enable children to be confident in their bodies, learn basic movement skills and progressively more complex movement patterns, as well as creating a pathway into all sports - all while having a great time.”

“LaunchPad programs are not just a work-out for kid’s bodies but also for their brains, with activities designed to benefit learning, concentration and brain development as well as develop social skills through team work and cooperation.”

The programs are broken into three age-specific categories and will only be offered by accredited clubs.    Five YMCA clubs in Brisbane are the first to achieve this status and will host a free open-day from 10am—12pm on Sunday, February 17 to celebrate and give locals the opportunity to find out more.     

The nationally certified clubs offering the open day include YMCA Acacia Ridge Gymnastics Club, YMCA Bowen Hills Gymnastics Club, YMCA Enoggera (Y-North) Gymnastics Club, YMCA Jamboree Heights (Y-West) Gymnastics Club and YMCA Redlands Gymnastics Club. 

Kate Wadkin Gymnastics Queensland’s Youth Participation Coordinator said she is proud to announce the YMCA of Brisbane Gymnastics Clubs had all received their LaunchPad Stamp of Approval.

“These clubs embody the LaunchPad philosophies offering programs that are fun yet challenging, provide kids with a love and passion for sport and recreation, are inclusive of all and are positive and encouraging, building on children's self-esteem and confidence,” Ms Wadkin said.

To register attendance at the open day please visit www.brisbaneymca.org.au or call:

• YMCA Enoggera Gymnastics Club on 3355 7176
• YMCA Jamboree Heights Gymnastics Club on 3376 4266
• YMCA Acacia Ridge Gymnastics Club on 3276 7793
• YMCA Bowen Hills Gymnastics Club on 3851 8800
• YMCA Redlands Gymnastics Club on 3820 5300

For more information about LaunchPad please visit www.launch-pad.org.au or contact the Gymnastics Queensland’s Youth Participation Coordinator, Kate Wadkin on 3036 5609.

Ends.

Further information:

YMCA Enoggera Gymnastics Club - Maggie Ient, Centre Manager - 0427129213 or 07 3355 7176

YMCA Acacia Ridge Gymnastics Club - Helen Maugham, Gymnastics Manager – 07 3276 7793

YMCA Bowen Hills Gymnastics Club - Rebecca Hicks, Assistant Centre Manager – 07 3851 8800

YMCA Jamboree Heights Gymnastics Club - Sherelle Graham, Gymnastics Coordinator – 07 3376 4266

YMCA Redlands Gymnastics Club - Katrina Hardie, Gymnastics Coordinator - 07 3820 5300