The Stawell Gymnastics Club, located in the Northern Grampians Shire, is a dynamic and enthusiastic sports club that prides itself on providing a fun and energetic atmosphere for athletes of all ages. With a dedicated coaching team boasting years of experience, the club offers a wide range of gymnastic classes tailored to both males and females.
For beginners, the club offers a safe and controlled environment where gymnasts can learn basic skills such as flexibility, strength, power, and coordination. In addition to physical skills, participants also learn important life skills such as listening, discipline, and confidence. This class is open to both boys and girls and serves as a stepping stone for those who wish to move into the competitive or recreational stream.
The “Gym Fun” class is specifically designed for children aged 3 to 5 years old. In this class, children learn coordination, basic gymnastic shapes, and skills while emphasising the importance of fun. This class helps children develop their motor skills, learn how to behave in a class, listen to instructions, and take turns using a variety of men's and women's apparatus.
The club also offers a recreational class, which is suitable for beginners who do not wish to compete or for newcomers to the sport. In this class, gymnasts learn gymnastics skills on all apparatus while continuing to build strength, flexibility, power, coordination, agility, and core strength in a friendly and controlled environment. This class is non-competitive and focuses on skill progression and enjoyment.
For those interested in competitive gymnastics, the club offers the Australian Levels Programme. Gymnasts can compete from levels 1 to 10 and are required to participate in at least three competitions each year. The programme is designed to be inclusive, challenging, and rewarding as gymnasts progress through the levels. Training hours increase as the gymnast's skills and abilities develop.
The club also offers a specialised class called “Kindergym,” which is designed for children aged 1 to 5 years old. In this class, young gymnasts are introduced to various apparatus, basic gymnastic skills, and activities that promote fine and gross motor skills in a group setting. Both gymnasts and their caregivers can explore the gym and activities at their own pace.
Head Coach Elissa Chalmers, a former national level 7 gymnast with over 20 years of coaching experience, leads the dedicated coaching team at Stawell Gymnastics Club. The team includes coaches with expertise in both women's and men's gymnastics, ensuring that athletes receive well-rounded instruction.
To stay connected with the club, interested individuals can check out the training and events calendar, as well as follow the club's Facebook page for updates and photos. For those considering joining the club, membership forms and fee information are available for download on the club's website.
At Stawell Gymnastics Club, the priority is to provide an inclusive, safe, and fun environment for all athletes, promoting skill development and encouraging leadership among its members.