Dear Respected Members, Suppliers and Supporters. I would like to thank all who have been involved with North West Gymnastics over the past 7 years and also those who have supported me through gymnastics at previous clubs. The demands of the newly improved regulations that are being put in place to ensure a safer sport for our children have and will continue to effect clubs throughout QLD by 2016. North West Gymnastics after seven years of operating are in search of options for greater support and more opportunities to continue providing to Mount Isa and the surrounding communities. The industrial shed on Traders way in which we operate out of at present, with expenses totalling to over $35000 annually on rent and outgoings alone is on its way to being outdated like many other clubs. We suffer with minimal parking, the burden of a leaking roof, other industrial shed repairs as well as a severe lack of space to cater to our ever growing numbers. With the new regulations being carried out by Gymnastics Australia and Gymnastics Queensland by 2016, North West Gymnastics will be required to set up and pack up apparatus’s to meet the necessities of adequate space around equipment due to the size of our existing venue. This will make running multiple classes and accommodating to larger numbers at one time almost impossible. To give you an example, at the moment NWG’s space of 234m squared (including spectator seating) caters to up to 40 gymnasts at one time. During this instance, when gymnasts attend, Men’s and Women’s Gymnastics, Circus classes and Trampoline classes are being participated in. As a result of the new regulations, only one of these disciplines will be able to run at one time, catering to a maximum of 10 members. In regular levels classes all boy’s equipment will need to be packed away whilst girls are training and visa versa. We have been notified that by 2016 our current premises/set up can only be used for a 0-4yrs Jungle Gym Class. With the cut to class numbers NWG cannot afford to continue operating with the expenses it faces annually. Over the past seven years North West Gymnastics has been a home to many gymnasts and families temporarily and long term and I hope we have left you all with many great memories. Throughout the years we have had coaches come and go and every one of them played a very special part in our club. My love and thorough enjoyment for gymnastics still continues and although gratefully Leichhardt Gymnastics Club welcomes members from NWG with open arms, they too are obligated to follow the same regulations that will affect NWG in the future. Whilst Leichhardt Gymnastics Club is also conducting classes in a safe manner, equipment requirements are becoming harder to fit into their outdated facility. April 2015 marks 30 years that Leichhardt Gymnastics Club has been in their existing building of 420 metres squared. Leichhardt Gymnastics Club is a non-profit organisation that is managed by a committee. The club is filled with families that want to see gymnastics move forward in Mount Isa also. With great consideration and much discussion with council it is only fair to say there are more opportunities out there for clubs when they are not fighting for a spot in the lime light. After sourcing more proof that the support in Mount Isa is limited whilst there are two clubs running I went further to see what was available if there were to be only one club. Councillor Brett Peterson, owner of Mount Isa Mining Supplies has been a supporter of NWG since we opened and someone I turned to on many occasions for help. Like many a time before he was willing to do what he could to assist. Since doing this Trudy Adams (Leichhardt Gymnastics Club Head Coach) accompanied me to council where we were given some very emotional news and answers to our requests. On Wednesday 10th September 2014, Mount Isa City Council indicated that they would like to support Gymnastics to move forward. We were successfully granted a lease on land to build our very own purpose built facility!!!!!!! Although this was the outcome I was hoping to hear, it has certainly left me overwhelmed with a mixture of feelings. Proudness, excitement and gratitude are among the highest of my feeling, while sadness, uncertainty and hope fall a small distance below them. I am proud to say that finally after so much hard work and commitment that we will finally be rewarded, nevertheless not before a lot more hard work. I am forever grateful for the support of our member’s, families and coaches that have helped build NWG a wonderful reputation that it is surely to be remembered by. I am excited for this new adventure and hopeful you will accompany me. Mostly I am overwhelmed with sadness of the uncertainty that this opportunity may only move forward if both clubs agree to amalgamate. Clearly many sacrifices will be made by both clubs, to in hope see gymnastics move forward in Mount Isa. Together we can aim for a facility to cater to all gymnastics disciplines and other sports alike. E.g. rock climbing, slack lining, indoor play centre. With a purpose built facility Mount Isa is eligible to hold not just local competitions that will encourage travellers, but sanctioned events like Western Games and North Queensland Regional Championships also. The period of time before the new facility is built, is guaranteed to be a hard one for all. We need as much support and hands on as possible to ensure we meet the targets of grants and other funding. I have been coaching for 16 year, 11 of which I have lived in Mount Isa. I have three amazing children and a wonderful encouraging partner that have also supported me along the way. I certainly am not prepared to miss out on things with my family for the sake of retiring in an old outdated run down shed. I want more than that, for me, and for you and your kids too. I encourage you to get on board and get involved, let’s work together to make a bigger and better club with ample opportunities for all gymnasts and new comers. Gymnasts of NWG I hope we have taught you well enough that it is the effort and attitude of you and your coach that make you the gymnast you are. Your obstacles and challenges are only as big as you make them. We will continue to train as per usual and NWG will continue to find ways to cater to your needs. I have been in contact with the CEO of Gymnastics Queensland, Kim Dowdell in regards to this matter. She is very supportive of the opportunity that we have been given and has offered her services where possible. Mrs Dowdell will be in Mount Isa on the 15th of October to hopefully put in place a Project Plan. In the mean time we will be in constant discussion to ensure NWG can continue to operate whilst the new premises is being developed. As for the rest of the year, we have lots in mind. If you’re in a levels program I am working towards transition to the new routines for 2015. I am still working on the finer details however I hope to have a Gymnastics Performance in conjunction with our Presentation Night/Xmas Part at the end of the year, Nov/Dec. This will involve all classes/levels/disciplines and will be lots of fun. I thank you for your support and will keep you updated along the way. NWG will continue to operate and provide welcoming, fun and enjoyable classes to your children. Thank you, Sally
Posted on: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 23:00:18 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015