FAMILY BALL & AWARDS NIGHT 2015 AWARD FINALISTS For Club and Technical Committee Voting Purposes GYMNASTICS VICTORIA AWARDS
Congratulations to the following Clubs and Individuals that have been selected as finalists in the 2015 Gymnastics Victoria Awards. Gymnastics Clubs and Technical Committees will vote for the categories below and award winners will be determined by 50%Club/TC vote and 50% Awards Committee vote. Clubs and Technical Committees click here to vote for the finalists Click Here to view the Selection Criteria
Click on the links below to view the finalists: 2015 Male Gymnast of the Year 2015 Female Gymnast of the Year (Australian Representation) 2015 Female Gymnast of the Year (Victorian Representation) 2015 Coach/Coaching Team of the Year (Small/Medium Clubs) 2015 Coach/Coaching Team of the Year (600-900 Member Clubs) 2015 Coach/Coaching Team of the Year (900+ Member Clubs) 2015 High Performance Coach/Coaching Team of the Year 2015 Volunteer of the Year 2015 Official of the Year 2015 Inclusive Leader of the Year 2015 MALE GYMNAST OF THE YEAR The 2015 finalists are: • Cade Pettie (Flip4Fun) • Hudson Irwin (Men’s HPC) • Luke Wadsworth (Men’s HPC)
Clubs and Technical Committees click here to vote for the finalists Click Here to view the Selection Criteria 2015 MALE GYMNAST OF THE YEAR Cade Pettie (Flip4Fun)
Cade has consistently received outstanding results for his state. This year he was the only men's pair competing at the acrobatics gymnastics Australian championships.
He is Victoria's only male acrobat to have competed a full in back out (double sault with a full twist) and received feedback that he should trial for the national squad.
Cade is an incredible male role model in our club and for Victorian acrobatics and gymnastics. He is extremely talented and dedicated. 2015 MALE GYMNAST OF THE YEAR Hudson Irwin (Men’s HPC)
Hudson Irwin won both the Gymnastics Victorian Championships and National Championships in Level 9 U 15 in 2015.
He made the Australian Team as the youngest member to compete at the Austrian Future Cup where placed 5th AA with 2 silvers and 1 bronze medal.
He is a model of what a gymnast should be - dedicated, hard working and leads by example. He is a pleasure to coach says Coach Greg Corsiglia.. 2015 MALE GYMNAST OF THE YEAR Luke Wadsworth (Men’s HPC)
Luke Wadsworth is the top Australian Gymnast in Victoria and 2nd only to Naoya Tsukahara
He is a fine example of how a gymnast trains and performs. He trains to win and sets this example for his teammates
Luke has reached out to others by speaking for GV at clubs, he has worked with the State Squad Program and physical education programs at the Men's HPC.
He is currently working hard to trial for a spot in the 2016 Olympic Games. 2015 FEMALE GYMNAST OF THE YEAR (INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATION) The 2015 finalists are: • Emily O’Connor (Cheltenham Youth Club) • Emily Whitehead (Waverley GC) • Larrissa Miller (Waverley GC) • Madelaine Leydin (NCE/Footscray City) • Teliah Farren-Price (Jets GC)
Clubs and Technical Committees click here to vote for the finalists Click Here to view the Selection Criteria 2015 FEMALE GYMNAST OF THE YEAR (INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATION) Emily O’Connor (Cheltenham Youth Club)
EXCELLENCE Emily has competed for Australia in International competitions every year since 2006. She has competed in numerous Trans Tasmans, 3 Indo Pacific's, 1 Australian Youth Olympic Festival, 3 World Age Championships, 1 World Games (senior) and 2 World Championships (senior) winning a total of 6 Gold medals and 1 Bronze. She has also been awarded an FIG World Class Athlete pin. Having competed at the Australian Championships since 2004 Emily has an impressive 16 national champion titles to her name and has been named on GA squads for the past 6 years.
TEAMWORK At the 2015 World Championships Emily scored the highest pass on the Australian DMT Team to lead the team to 4th place. 2015 World's was the first time Australia had had a DMT team since 2001. Photo's from the event show the support the team members give each other.
LEADERSHIP Emily is a beginner level trampoline judge and coach while still training as a competitor.
RESPECT and INTEGRITY Coaches from across Australia know and respect Emily as an athlete having competed on the world stage so many times as well as competing at every Australian Championships since 2004. Emily takes on feedback and corrections from all of these coaches and not just her own personal coach. 2015 FEMALE GYMNAST OF THE YEAR (INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATION) Emily Whitehead (Waverley GC)
2015 has been an exceptional year for Waverley's Junior International WAG athlete, Emily Whitehead. In March this year, Emily was selected on to the Australian team to travel to Italy and compete in the City of Jesolo Trophy. Emily had an excellent competition in Italy, qualifying through to the bars final, where she performed a superb routine, scoring 14.000 and finishing in 4th position. This was a personal best for Emily with her new routine, and just 0.05 away from a podium finish! Later in the year, Emily was selected for her second International assignment of 2015, when she competed at the prestigious Japan Junior International Event.
Emily also had a breakthrough year on the National stage, winning her first Australian Championships All Around title at Junior International level. Emily performed exceptionally across the entire competition, where she also took out the Junior International Bars and Floor titles, and finished 2nd on Beam, and 3rd on Vault. At the 2015 Victorian Championships the following month, Emily only competed on one apparatus, where she was crowned Junior International Victorian Bars Champion.
Earlier this year, Emily was announced by Gymnastics Australia as one of just three WAG athletes to be identified as a member of the NextGEN AusComGames Squad.
Emily is a wonderful role model, and sets a fantastic example for young athletes of what hard work and determination can achieve. She frequently volunteers her time to attend competitions that Waverley hosts to present medals and sign autographs. 2015 FEMALE GYMNAST OF THE YEAR (INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATION) Larrissa Miller (Waverley GC)
In 2015, Larrissa Miller was selected to represent Australia at her fifth World Championships. Larrissa performed admirably, contributing the Australian team's top score on the uneven bars, as well as the second top score on floor.
Larrissa is on the 2015 Senior National Squad, and is one of Australia's leading chances for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. At the 2015 Australian Championships, Larrissa was named the 2014 WAG Senior International Gymnast of the Year. Larrissa is a current VIS scholarship holder.
Larrissa is a fantastic role model, and an inspiration to gymnasts around Australia with her incredible achievements and dedication to her sport. She frequently visits schools, and other gymnastics clubs, to talk about her experiences and help to inspire and motivate children. She recently featured in a fun segment on GO! TV's "Kids' WB".
In 2015, Larrissa overcame some difficult obstacles in her personal life. In her role as an ambassador for Australia's leading child protection advocate, Bravehearts, Larrissa bravely chose to tell her story of abuse in an interview that was aired on Channel 10's 'The Project'. By telling her personal story, Larrissa hopes to raise awareness of child abuse, and help make Australia the safest place. 2015 FEMALE GYMNAST OF THE YEAR (INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATION) Madelaine Leydin (NCE/Footscray City)
Details of Performances for 2015: 2015 Australian Championships – Melbourne - Bronze Medal Senior International
2015 Victorian Championships – Melbourne - Senior International Victorian Champion – Gold Medal
2015 Australian V’s China – Perth Australia - Bronze All Around Medallist, Silver Floor
2015 World Gymnastics Championships – Australian Team, Finishing 42nd in All-round competition (highest ranking Australian) 2015 FEMALE GYMNAST OF THE YEAR (INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATION) Teliah Farren-Price (Jets GC)
Teliah Farren-Price is the epitome of a role model in our sport. She shows true passion for our sport and in every competition supports all competitors around her to do their best.
In training Teliah works hard to achieve her maximum potential and never stops setting new , higher goals to achieve. In 2015 Teliah was selected to represent Australia at the Trans Tasman Competition after placing in the Top 8 at Australian Championships (2nd on Floor). In New Zealand Teliah won floor and placed 2nd on Beam as well as representing Australia proudly and passionately.
Teliah has now set her sights on attaining a college scholarship in the USA and we have no doubt that she will find a way to achieve this. 2015 FEMALE GYMNAST OF THE YEAR (VICTORIAN REPRESENTATION) The 2015 finalists are: • Alexandra Kiroi (Prahran RG) • Jocelyn Kew (Grips GC) • Lauren Pengelly (MLC Gymnastics) • Madeline Pham (Glen Iris RG) • Marlee Shae Holden (Ruyton RG) • Tahlia Stewart (Glen Iris RG) • Yingcui Chan (Ruyton RG)
Clubs and Technical Committees click here to vote for the finalists Click Here to view the Selection Criteria 2015 FEMALE GYMNAST OF THE YEAR
Alexandra Kiroi (Prahran RG)
Alexandra Kiroi is a dedicated and talented rhythmic gymnast. In 2015, she competed internationally, interstate and intrastate and is one of the highest achieving Junior RG gymnasts in Victoria. Her achievements on state and national level are: - Level 9 Junior 2015 Victorian Champion - All around and medals in all individual apparatus. - Level 9 Junior 2015 Australian Champion - All around and medals in three individual apparatus. - Highest score at Victorian National’s selection Trials. - All around winner at South Australian State Trials.
Internationally her results are also strong: - LA Lights International Tournament she was 17th out of 60 competing as a Junior while being Level 9 Junior - Total Gym Friendship Cup (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia): 1 Silver and 2 Bronze medals in apparatus finals and bronze medal for all-round.
Alexandra was chosen for the Advanced Team Futures Camp run by GA for identifying and nurturing the next commonwealth hopefuls. At this camp she was identified by visiting International coaches as the most likely to make it to commonwealth selection in the future. Alexandra was also the recipient of the Leader Newspaper Sports Star Award and has received the Maccabie Victorian & Australian Junior Sportswoman of the year.
Alexandra’s dedication to bettering herself was exemplified in her participation in a gruelling 4 week training camp in Russia straight after Nationals, where she trained 8 hours a day. Alexandra also participates in numerous displays throughout the year to promote the sport within the wider community. 2015 FEMALE GYMNAST OF THE YEAR
Jocelyn Kew (Grips GC)
Jocelyn Kew has been nominated for achieving outstanding personal best in 2015.
Not only did Jocelyn exceed personal best achievements throughout 2015 she also won overall National Champion for her age division. 2015 FEMALE GYMNAST OF THE YEAR
Lauren Pengelly (MLC Gymnastics)
Lauren Pengelly is a terrific role model and leader for all of our athletes at MLC Gymnastics. Lauren has been a part of the MLC Gym team as well as the Victorian team in 2015, where she showed a great deal of maturity and respect for her fellow team mates and coaches.
Lauren has achieved the level 9 over 15 Victorian All Around Champion and placed 2nd All Around in the Level 9 Australian Championships. Lauren also placed 3rd overall at Level 10 over 15 at the 2015 National Club Championships.
Lauren has recently been awarded the MLC Gym Club Vice Captain for 2016 for displaying the above qualities, as well as her honest and exemplary sportsmanship. 2015 FEMALE GYMNAST OF THE YEAR
Madeline Pham (Glen Iris RG)
Madeline Pham is an amazing and hardworking gymnast. She would not stop working on elements until she can perform them perfectly. The results of her hard work paid off this year. Madeline made a major contribution to the Level 7 Jnr Victorian team achieving a gold medal at the Australian National Championships 2015. As an individual competitor she received a bronze medal overall, silver - for rope, clubs and ribbon, and was 6th in ball.
Madeline has performed consistently well throughout the year: she took bronze overall at Victorian State Championship. She travelled to Italy to participate in Latina Fiory competition where she earned silver medal for freehand and gold for ribbon routines. The completion was followed up by training camp. She participated at the 5th Total Gymnastique friendship tournament in Malaysia, where she came 2nd overall . As a key member of Astrella - Glen Iris Gymnastics club’s AGG team she performed on multiple occasions such as Awards night 2014, Australian Championship, FusionFX, Victorian Group Championship and 5th Total Gymnastique friendship tournament. 2015 FEMALE GYMNAST OF THE YEAR
Marlee Shae Holden (Ruyton RG)
Marlee is the Senior International RG all around State Champion. Staying focused while completing VCE Marlee managed against the odds this year to become the All Around state champion and winner of 3 out of 4 gold apparatus medals.
Marlee is also a role model within the club and state team and in 2015 travelled to Romania to compete in an invitational event running along side the World Cup where she competed with confidence alongside some of the best athletes in the world.
Marlee has also completed her coaches course and gives back to the club in the lower levels wherever possible. 2015 FEMALE GYMNAST OF THE YEAR
Tahlia Stewart (Glen Iris RG)
Tahlia Stewart is an amazing and hardworking gymnast. It is a complete delight to watch her train when she is completely focused on polishing an element, and share her joy when she performs. The results of her hard work paid off this year. Tahlia made a major contribution to the Level 7 Jnr Victorian team achieving a gold medal at the Australian National Championships 2015. As an individual competitor she received a silver medal overall, gold - for rope, bronze - for ball and was 4th in clubs and rope.
Tahlia has performed consistently well throughout the year: she took silver overall at Victorian State Championship, 1st in rope, 3rd in clubs and ribbon and well as completed a full sweep of first places at the Aussie All Starts. She participated at the 5th Total Gymnastique friendship tournament in Malaysia, where she came 3rd overall and 2nd in freehand routine. As a key member of Astrella - Glen Iris Gymnastics club’s AGG team she performed on multiple occasions such as Awards night 2014, Australian Championship, FusionFX, Victorian Group Championship and 5th Total Gymnastique friendship tournament. Tahlia was invited at both Team Future Camps 2015 run by the Australian Institute of Sport, where she was awarded “Best flexibility” prize. 2015 FEMALE GYMNAST OF THE YEAR
Yingcui Chan (Ruyton RG)
Yingcui Chan is the 2015 All Around Victorian Champion for RG Junior international and won 3 of 4 possible apparatus gold medals at the State Championships. Ying placed fourth at the National Championships and won 1 apparatus medal for Victoria.
Ying has also been selected in the Gymnastics Australia team future ADVANCED squad. Ying’s absolute dedication to training is unmatched, recently being awarded the hardest worker at the team future advanced camp by our guest international coach from Bulgaria.
Ying is the perfect role model for any athlete in the club and Victoria by demonstrating such an amazing work ethic even when things are not going her way. Ying not only has the physical attributes of an elite rhythmic gymnast but coupled with her dedication she is destined to do Victoria proud. 2015 COACH/COACHING TEAM OF THE YEAR (SMALL/MEDIUM CLUB)
The 2015 finalists are: • Aquahub Coaching Team • Edge Senior Coaching Team • Emma Carmody (Palmers Gymnastics) • Energetic Gymnastics Squad Coaches • Lena Frolov (Glen Iris RG) • Natalie Roberts (Niddrie GC) • Niddrie Coaching Team
Clubs and Technical Committees click here to vote for the finalists Click Here to view the Selection Criteria 2015 COACH/COACHING TEAM OF THE YEAR (SMALL/MEDIUM CLUB) Aquahub Coaching Team
Aquahub Gymnastics coaches will be highly skilled, passionate and united in their commitment to deliver exceptional customer service. We are passionate about recruiting coaches who are enthusiastic, energetic and engaged, and are able to build a fun and safe environment.
Last year the club undertook an extensive recruitment drive and an additional 18 coaches were employed. They came from a range of backgrounds, including swim teachers, gymnasium instructors and past gymnasts. The four existing coaches mentored the new staff through extensive training and development opportunities. The team quickly evolved and has become a high-performing club that is dynamic, engaged and social. This has contributed to a positive culture and facilitated numerous achievements for Aquahub. The program recorded a 92% growth, added additional days of classes and implemented new programs throughout 2015.
The coaches not only succeeded as a team, but as individuals as well. One coach recently performed our Program Coordinator role and another is currently piloting BabyGym. This is particularly impressive as neither of these coaches have a background in gymnastics. In a recent Customer Satisfaction Survey, the Coaches received high praise and positive feedback: "Good nice instructors, supportive environment”, “Very bubbly and enthusiastic”, “Encouraging and positive”
The coaches are an asset to our club and we are proud of what they have achieved in such a short period of time. Bring on 2016! 2015 COACH/COACHING TEAM OF THE YEAR (SMALL/MEDIUM CLUB) Edge Senior Coaching Team Edge Gymnastics opened its doors in early 2015, since then it has produced two Victorian Champion teams, 3 Victorian All Around Champions, one runner-up All Around Victorian Champion, & numerous apparatus champions in levels 5, 7, 8 & 9. As well as one Border Challenge team member.
The coaching team comprises of Glenn Evans, Phoebe Burrough, Moya Inglis & Ashleigh Heldsinger. All coaches have come together from across Victoria, demonstrating a large degree of teamwork & leadership which can initially be very difficult when coaches come from different clubs as they must adapt to differing corporate cultures/ operating styles. This team displays respect for one another in the gym, and towards all gymnasts, ensuring all gymnasts feel important and supported.
As for excellence and integrity, this can be demonstrated through the outstanding results achieved in the very first year of Edge’s operation as a gymnastics club. The Coaches aim to ensure all gymnasts live up to their full potential, by encouraging, supporting, and promoting teamwork between all competitive groups - creating a community environment within Edge, where all gymnasts support one another, both at competitions and during training. 2015 COACH/COACHING TEAM OF THE YEAR (SMALL/MEDIUM CLUB)
Emma Carmody (Palmers Gymnastics)
Emma is a great roll model and has promoted tumbling well in Victoria with more clubs now participating 2015 COACH/COACHING TEAM OF THE YEAR (SMALL/MEDIUM CLUB) Energetic Gymnastics Squad Coaches
The Energetic Gymnastics Squad Gym coaching team worked together throughout 2015 to deliver an inclusive and team centred competitive program for over 120 regional gymnasts.
The coaches prepared gymnasts to participate in Gippsland competitions as well as supporting them to gain experience at metropolitan events committed to providing country kids with opportunity.
The team consistently demonstrated an inclusive strengths-based approach, working to get the most out of every gymnast and to create a culture of positivity and encouragement. The coaches are not selective about who can participate in competitive gymnastics and generously provide the pathway and support for all interested children to be involved.
In 2015 the coaches embraced the new ALP and competition structure with a mindset of ‘let’s give it our best shot’. The coaches fielded full teams at levels one to six training limited hours and made a conscious commitment to supporting the State Pennant Wildcard opportunity knowing the standard would be high at the Finals.
Key 2015 achievements (1st – 3rd placings) include: Participation in 14 competitions x 120 gymnasts, Invitational results, Team medals x 9, Apparatus medals x 7, All around medals x 2, Gippsland Championships results, Team medals x 7, Apparatus medals x 44, All around medals x 5, Victorian Championships results, State Pennant Finalist teams x 2, WAG Finalists x 4, MAG Finalists x 7, Apparatus medals x 5, Victorian Champion X 1, New parent judges x 5 2015 COACH/COACHING TEAM OF THE YEAR (SMALL/MEDIUM CLUB) Lena Frolov (Glen Iris RG)
Lena Frolov has been a gymnastics coach for nine years and has trained nearly 200 gymnasts. She is an outstanding coach who has an amazing skill to engage young girls in the sport and build foundations for their future success. Often coaches that produce champions are recognised with awards but before a gymnast becomes a champion they are coached by a person who saws the seeds of their future success – Lena is one of these coaches. The vast majority of gymnasts at the National levels that became champions or medallists through the Glen Iris Club were once up on a time coached by Lena.
Recognising that high quality gymnastics coaches in Victoria are in short supply, this year Lena developed and implemented a training program for young coaches. She identified four current and past gymnasts of the Glen Iris Club that have an ability to transition into coaching and ran four workshops for them teaching them practical coaching skills. Combined, all young coaches, contributed more than 180 volunteer hours to the club as trainees, under Lena’s supervision. As a result, three out of four will be employed next year as coaches for the beginner levels.
Lena’s commitment to holistic training led her to develop a healthy eating program for Glen Iris gymnasts. Twelve gymnasts and their mothers participated in five workshops throughout the year where they learned about healthy food, cooked healthy lunches, breakfasts and snacks that are appropriate for people engaged in high performance sports. 2015 COACH/COACHING TEAM OF THE YEAR (SMALL/MEDIUM CLUB) Natalie Roberts (Niddrie GC)
Natalie has been coaching at Niddrie gymnastics for the last 30 years. She has always been an amazing role model to the coaches at the club, looking for new and innovative ways to make our club the best that it can be.
Alongside Tracy Hortin, Natalie has shown great leadership and been integral to the clubs success behind the scenes. In regards to excellence Natalie has this year coached the following successful teams and individuals: 2015 National Clubs - Level 6 Team: 3rd All Around (Highest placed Victorian club) 2015 Vics - Unlimited Level 4: 1st Place Team 2015 Vics - Unlimited Level 6: 2nd Place Team 2015 Head Coach of the level 7 Winning Trans Bass team 2015 Vics - Unlimited Level 6: Abbey Stronell 1st AA 2015 COACH/COACHING TEAM OF THE YEAR (SMALL/MEDIUM CLUB) Niddrie Coaching Team
On behalf of the Niddrie Gymnastics Committee, we are pleased to nominate the Niddrie Coaching Team for 2015 Coaching Team of the Year. This team have made outstanding dedication and commitment to Niddrie Gymnastics and our community, but more importantly the well being and success of our gymnasts at state and national levels. These coaches are not 'just' coaches to our club, they are leaders in their sport, mentors, role models and secondary mums to our gymnasts. They are respectful individuals by not only us at Niddrie but the broader gymnastic community. This coaching teams dedication have inspired us all and have been the key contributors to the outstanding success during 2015. Some of the achievements/highlights are: - Level 8 Victorian finalists - Level 8 National team gymnast - Level 2 2nd Place State Pennant Champions - Level 4 Unlimited Victorian Champions - Level 6 Limited Victorian Champions - Level 6 Unlimited 2nd Place Victorian Champions - Level 6 Unlimited National Clubs 3rd All Around
Along with these team placings, there have been many individual invitational placings and Victorian Champion medallists.
These ladies have displayed integrity and commitment to Gymnastics as a sport and to their club and gymnasts, which are often referred to by them as their 'babies' and as a coaching team collectively have dominated this year.
We feel very proud and privileged to have this team and what they bring to our club but most of all for all they teach our gymnasts and inspiration they sparkle. 2015 COACH/COACHING TEAM OF THE YEAR (600-900 MEMBER CLUB)
The 2015 finalists are: • Bade Bishop (Resilience GC) • Christine Keenan (Resilience GC) • Cui Hong Gao (Knox GC) • Goele Schmitz (Flyaway GC) • Melissa Skewes (Chamford GC) • Micayla Mathews/Jodie Wade (MYC Gymnastics) • PIT Gymnastics WAG Coaching Team • Caroline Carter (Peninsula Gymnastics)
Clubs and Technical Committees click here to vote for the finalists Click Here to view the Selection Criteria 2015 COACH/COACHING TEAM OF THE YEAR (600-900 MEMBER CLUB) Bade Bishop (Resilience GC)
Bade is an all around amazing guy! He demonstrates leadership on a daily basis not only as the general manager who assists me in managing our staff, he is growing the MAG program and shows incredible passion.
He works with the Resilience Team to encourage the gymnasts to push themselves to the limit and improve in all areas. He has taken his Gymnasts to 3 Victorian Championships in a row each of which 1 Gymnast was selected to be part of the State Team Squad. He has also seen Mat Contreras progress to the Centre of Excellence.
Bade represents Resilience with Strength, Courage and Passion. 2015 COACH/COACHING TEAM OF THE YEAR (600-900 MEMBER CLUB) Christine Keenan (Resilience GC)
Christine Keenan is a very influential coach at our college. She demonstrates leadership not only in her coaching but in her sharing knowledge to all of our other coaches. She takes the time to explain, demonstrate and ensure that her team have a strong understanding of technique, safety and development.
She has shown excellence by taking over a group of girls of mixed levels and within a month they represented Resilience at the Victorian championships and progressed to the finals.
Christine has a strong passion for Gymnastics and the wellbeing of her gymnasts. We appreciate her strength, courage and passion. 2015 COACH/COACHING TEAM OF THE YEAR (600-900 MEMBER CLUB) Cui Hong Gao (Knox GC)
Cui (pronounced Tay) has achieved exceptional results in 2015. Her WAG ALP Limited Hours Level 4 team had outstanding results throughout the year and secured the title of State Champion team. 4 out of her 6 girls competing in ALP WAG 7-10 were selected as 2015 State Team Members which is a huge achievement.
Cui cares for her girls as if they were her own and builds relationships with their parents too. She provides discipline and encourages perfection in her gymnasts. She is esteemed by all at Knox Gymnastics Club as one of the best WAG coaches in Victoria and has a waiting list of girls wanting to be coached by her.
Cui devotes her life to coaching gymnastics and will spend time with 'her girls' and parents outside of gym hours whenever asked. She volunteers to coach for free if she feels her gymnasts require additional coaching during holidays.
Cui always insists that her gymnasts work hard, are respectful, are good sports, polite and professional at all times - qualities that will continue with them after gymnastics. As a parent of one of her girls, I cannot speak highly enough of Cui who has provided a lifetime of love and memories for my daughter. I feel the life lessons she has taught my daughter are more precious than any of the medals she has helped her achieve.
Cui is an amazing coach and a more amazing person. I am yet to meet anyone more passionate about their coaching role. 2015 COACH/COACHING TEAM OF THE YEAR (600-900 MEMBER CLUB) Goele Schmitz (Flyaway GC)
Goele contacted Flyaway in 2011 seeking sponsorship. Goele was employed by the Federation Gymnastique and was responsible for developing the equivalent of Belgium’s levels program but her dream was to follow her passion, teaching gymnastics in Australia. In 2012 Goele joined Flyaway.
Goele is a great asset to Flyaway and there isn't a child that doesn't benefit from her skills. She constantly receives cards from children and I can't count the number of positive comments I receive relating to how well she interacts with children.
Goele's primary role at Flyaway is WG coach and her gymnasts' results are testament to her passion and perseverance. Goele is Flyaway’s 'go-to coach' on all programs but more specifically children with a disability and children with behavioural issues. She has also been fundamental in successfully introducing Acrobatic Gymnastics at Flyaway.
She helps develop junior coaches, co-teaching programs and passing on knowledge. Goele has developed an ALP Level 1-3 online resource which has been a fabulous tool for our junior coaches and is fingertip accessible. If offers skill breakdown, progressions and safe spotting practice.
Goele helped Flyaway adopt and deliver GA's LaunchPad program in 2015, adapting the program to suit an 'in-gym' and an 'at-school' option, and Flyaway now reaches more children than ever with school gymnastics.
Goele is respected by her peers, coaches, children and parents. While most happy in the background, she is a natural leader and personifies all attributes of a team player, coach and mentor and in my eyes, irreplaceable. 2015 COACH/COACHING TEAM OF THE YEAR (600-900 MEMBER CLUB) Melissa Skewes (Chamford GC)
Melissa has coached the winning team at the Victorian Championships in National level 4/5 for the past 3 years. Any coach with a 3 year record deserves recognition.
She puts in countless hours into her program planning, ensures all gymnasts are cared for and motivated to achieve their best potential in our amazing sport. As a result of Melissa’s dedication and coaching, her gymnasts have a love and dedication to our sport, and a work ethic unbeatable by most. This sees them achieve such high standard results, and has given her group a reputation of being one of the best in Victoria. Her gymnasts are now being selected onto state teams such as Level 6 trans bass team.
What a lucky club Chamford is to have Melissa in their coaching team. 2015 COACH/COACHING TEAM OF THE YEAR (600-900 MEMBER CLUB) Micayla Mathews/Jodie Wade (MYC Gymnastics)
Micayla and Jodie lead the Squad program at MYC coaching the Level 7-9 and L4,6 & 7 teams respectively. The teams have been extremely successful this year with a number of gymnasts selected for state teams for Nationals, Border Challenge and Trans Bass at L6, 7, 8 & 9. Both coaches also performed assistant coach duties at Nationals this year.
They are both key members of the club not only in their jobs as coaches but also in running the squad program and as committee members or performing additional tasks within the club. 2015 COACH/COACHING TEAM OF THE YEAR (600-900 MEMBER CLUB) PIT Gymnastics WAG Coaching Team
The PIT Gymnastics WAG Coaching Team consists of 9 coaches and 3 assistants who coach 73 gymnasts, across ALP Levels 2-8 in both the Limited and Unlimited hours divisions. This year has been one of our programs most successful years.
We were crowned Victorian Champions in the ALP2 division and placed second in Victoria in the ALP3 division. Our ALP Limited Hours Level 8 Team placed second in the Victorian Championships. At the recent Victorian Championships we also had one of our gymnasts place 2nd All Around in the ALP 5 Unlimited hours division (11-12 y.o division), as well as picking up 2 gold medals, 3 silver medals and 1 bronze medal. This year two of our ALP6 gymnasts were selected to represent Victoria in the Trans Bass Challenge. We also had two of our coaches selected to coach the Victorian State Team.
Our WAG coaches are extremely dedicated to the sport and always put 110% into every training session encouraging their gymnasts to reach their full potential. The gymnasts look up to them and respect them. All of the WAG coaches at PIT Gymnastics are also our WAG judges and this is just another example of the commitment shown by own coaches. At PIT Gymnastics we promote a friendly and positive environment with a strong emphasis on team work. We feel that our WAG coaching team embraces all of these qualities. 2015 COACH/COACHING TEAM OF THE YEAR (600-900 MEMBER CLUB) Caroline Carter (Peninsula Gymnastics)
Caroline Carter is an industry leader in the Gym For All (Kindergym) sector. With boundless energy and a wealth of experience, the young children exposed to Caroline’s classes are engaged from the minute they walk in the door. Invested in early childhood development, Caroline constructs classes with a masterstroke that only 20 plus years of coaching can bring.
She captures children’s imaginations by swinging through jungles, walking on the moon, climbing bean stalks and dancing without inhibition, like the 5 year old within her. She also has an amazing ability to communicate to parents the benefit of early movement programs and can reassure those even with the most challenging children, that the Gym For All space is a safe, effective and essential learning opportunity.
Under Caroline’s direction Peninsula Gymnastics Kindergym program has grown from exposing 200 under 5’s to the sport in 2014 to just over 300 children in 2015. Caroline is passionate about educating her team of coaches mentoring 2 new coaches in 2015 in the Kindergym area. Running 5 days a week and 4 classes a day, the Kindergym program at Peninsula Gymnastics sees many, many smiling, active and developing children each week thrive under Caroline’s guidance. 2015 COACH/COACHING TEAM OF THE YEAR (900+ MEMBER CLUB) The 2015 finalists are: • BTYC MAG Coaching Team • Kaye Amor (Essendon Keilor GA) • Kirsten Norden (MLC GC) • Meghan Sinnot (Essendon Keilor GA)
Clubs and Technical Committees click here to vote for the finalists Click Here to view the Selection Criteria 2015 COACH/COACHING TEAM OF THE YEAR (900+ MEMBER CLUB) BTYC MAG Coaching Team
Using fun, camaraderie and the desire to do the 'best that you can', BTYC's MAG Coaching team took on the challenge of improving on what was a very successful 2014.
With a coaching team specifically coordinated each day, to allow for both the coaching of the youngest and lowest level athletes, as well as the eldest and highest, the BTYC MAG program was spreading its experience across all of the gymnasts possible within the program, whilst maintaining consistency.
The Coaches seem to have the gymnastics balance just right, rewarding the gymnasts hard work with sleepovers, games and recognition. The whole program seems like an exciting environment for athletes and coaches alike.
The performances and results were fantastic as a result: • 50 Athletes Competed during competition season • 55 Athletes Competed during the entire year • 92% of Athletes LAT’d at their Competition Level if competing for the first time at that level • 94% of our eligible Gymnasts qualified for Victorian finals • Team Champions at Level 2 Under • Team Champions at Level 3 Under • Team Champions at Level 5 Under and 5 Open • Team Champions at Level 7 Under • Silver Medalist Team at Level 7 Open • 11 Athletes invited to State Training • 2 Athletes Invited to Team Future at the AIS in Canberra in February and October • Multiple Placings at National Clubs including Parallel Bar Champion Team (Level 5-7) • 5 Gymnasts & 3 Coaches selected to represent Victoria at Nationals 2015 COACH/COACHING TEAM OF THE YEAR (900+ MEMBER CLUB) Kaye Amor (Essendon Keilor GA)
Kaye is exceptional, she has had male athletes making significant contribution to the sport for many many years with little to no recognition.
Her role at both EKGA and GAME as head MG coach is little known as she provides such a positive team effort and allows the athletes to take recognition. Kaye had men in Level 2-7 in 2015, place podium both individually, as team and as all arounds at every event where gymnasts were entered. In addition to her exceptional contribution towards men’s gymnastics, Kaye also holds a significant role supervising, mentoring coordinating and directing the recreational program at MLC gymnastics club.
Kaye continues to impact within the Kindergym, schools programs, coach mentoring, maintenance education and judging. 2015 COACH/COACHING TEAM OF THE YEAR (900+ MEMBER CLUB) Kirsten Norden (MLC GC)
Kirsten has been a coach at MLC for over 10 years and has been involved in many different areas of our programs from GFA to High Performance. Regardless of the level of athlete, Kirsten’s high expectations along with her kind, caring manner, remain the same. Having worked with the same group of athletes for a number of consecutive years, Kirsten and her gymnasts achieved 1st place team at level 6 as well as 2nd and 3rd team in level 5 at the 2015 Victorian Championships. Kirsten also has an amazing way of getting the best out of all the different gymnasts even though some may not be champions but they are stronger and better within themselves.
In addition to her coaching, Kirsten has a strong desire to continue her development in the area of strength and conditioning. Kirsten has used her knowledge to be a presenter for Gymnastics Victoria in the area of strength, specific to gymnastics. Due to her expertise in this area, Kirsten was employed by Gymnastics Australia to assist in the development and refining of the new choreography for floor and beam in Victoria. 2015 COACH/COACHING TEAM OF THE YEAR (900+ MEMBER CLUB) Meghan Sinnot (Essendon Keilor GA)
Meghan makes me tired just hearing about what she does each week. Meghan oversees the GFA and Rhythmic Programs at Essendon Keilor Gymnastics Academy. In addition to working full time with us she trains and competes as a Rhythmic Gymnast (at the ripe old age of 27) and spends the rest of her time improving her coaching knowledge.
When Meg came to us she held a WAG and GFA accreditation. In the past 18 months Meghan has dedicated herself to becoming the best possible coach she could be. In this time Meg has achieved the following Gymnastics Accreditations: Intermediate Rhythmic Coach, Intermediate MAG Coach, Intermediate WAG Judge, Beginner Rhythmic Judge, Advanced Saulto module and attended the Gymstar Judges course. GFA is all of these sports – so Meg does all of this extra study so that she can be the best coach she can be. She has a thirst for knowledge, a passion for gymnastics and goes out of her way to make sure she gives all of her gymnasts 100%.
Whether this is her coming to work dressed as a Ninja Turtle during super hero week, bedazzling home made equipment or costumes for the Rhythmic program (the more glitter the better!) or putting together routines for the Recreational Rhythmic kids so they could perform at Fusion FX, Meg will always do more than expected if it is for the kids. The GFA community is lucky to have such a passionate and dedicated coach mentoring our next generation of Gymnasts. 2015 HIGH PERFORMANCE COACH/COACHING TEAM OF THE YEAR
The 2015 finalists are: • Bret Nicholas/Jackie Caldwell (MLC GC) • Durratun Nashihin Rosli, Tatiana Loukianenko, Claire Nolan (Glen Iris GC) • Emma Tankovich, Valeria Kanzberg, Shelley Williams (Ruyton RG) • Greg Corsiglia (Men’s HPC) • John Hart & Shaoyi Jiang (Waverley GC) • Loreto Aerobic Coaching Team • Mikhail Barabach, Lisa Bradley, Tracey Penaluna (NCE) • Tim Lees/Laura Phung (MLC GC)
Clubs and Technical Committees click here to vote for the finalists Click Here to view the Selection Criteria 2015 HIGH PERFORMANCE COACH/COACHING TEAM OF THE YEAR
Bret Nicholas/Jackie Caldwell (MLC GC)
Bret and Jackie have been developing MLC’s NLP level 7 – 10 program over the past 5 years to become one of the most successful National levels program in the Country. Recently, MLC placed 4th at the National Club Championships and was the number 1 Victorian Club overall at this event.
Some of the most remarkable results in 2015 include: Under 15 level 9 Australian Champion 15+ level 9 Runner-up Australian Championships Over 16 level 10 Australian Champion Over 16 level 10 3rd place Australian Championships Level 9 team Victorian Champions Under 15 Level 9 Victorian Championships 15+ level 9 Victorian Champion Level 9 Australian Team Champions Level 10 Australian Team Champions
Jackie and Bret were also selected as Victorian Team Coaches with Jackie being a part of the leadership team.
At the 2015 National Championships, Jackie and Bret also had an athlete selected to the Trans Tasman level 10 WAG team which competed in New Zealand in October, where she placed 1st AA. As well as this they also had one of their Level 10 athletes selected to represent Cyprus at the 2015 European Games and World Champions. 2015 HIGH PERFORMANCE COACH/COACHING TEAM OF THE YEAR
Durratun Nashihin Rosli, Tatiana Loukianenko, Claire Nolan (Glen Iris GC)
Durratun, Tatiana and Claire formed an outstanding coaching team that worked with international level girls. Each of them bring their own strength to the mix: Tatiana – vast experience, deep knowledge of the sport, Durratun – amazing choreographer and elements innovator, Claire – a perfectionist with experience in Pilates and all together they share contiguous passion for the rhythmic gymnastics. As result of their collaboration, the 2015 was one of the most successful years not only for the club, but the Rhythmic Gymnastics in Victoria.
The gymnast coached by this team contributed to the Victorian Team Gold medals at Australian National Championship 2015 in level 7 and 9 Junior, bronze medal in level 8 Junior. The gymnast coached by this team participated earned a number of gold, silver and bronze medals not only in Australia, but at international competitions as well (Italy, Malaysia).
This coaching team believe in importance of people working together, hence they were very excited to introduce Anesthetic Group Gymnastics to Australia. To enhance their knowledge Tatiana and Durratun went to learn about AGG to Finland and successfully completed an AGG judging training course. At the 5th Gymnastics Friendship Tournament in Malaysia, Tatiana Miroshnichenko, head of IFAGG, highly commended the choreography and execution of our gymnasts performances. But most importantly, this coaching team helps gymnasts to grow and blossom through RG and AGG and keep their love to sport and active lifestyle for life. 2015 HIGH PERFORMANCE COACH/COACHING TEAM OF THE YEAR
Emma Tankovich, Valeria Kanzberg, Shelley Williams (Ruyton RG)
The coaching team of Emma Tankovich, Valeria Kanzberg and Shelley Williams represents the highest levels of rhythmic gymnastics coaching in Victoria. Emma is Head Coach at Ruyton Rhythmic Gymnastics as well as Coaching Coordinator on the RG Technical Committee.
Emma was once again appointed Head Coach of the State Team and Valeria was a State Team Coach. Emma and Valeria were also involved with both the recent Team Future camps, with Valeria a master coach at the Team Future camp.
They coached their squad of 8 gymnasts from Level 7 and above helping them to achieve some great results this year. There were three state champions in Level 7, Junior international and Senior international and four medal-winners at Nationals, with all 8 gymnasts selected as members of the State Team. Three of these gymnasts were subsequently selected to the Team Future squad and one gymnast selected to the Team Future Advanced squad. One gymnast was also selected for the Australian team going to NZ.
These results were achieved because, under the leadership of Emma Tankovich, this team of three coaches worked tirelessly for the benefit of their gymnasts, always striving for excellence in their profession 2015 HIGH PERFORMANCE COACH/COACHING TEAM OF THE YEAR
Greg Corsiglia (Men’s HPC)
Greg continues to develop top Australian Athletes who compete internationally. The top Juniors are coached by Greg - The top five places at Victorian Championships and the Top 2 U15 Hudson Irwin and Heath Thorpe at Nationals - gymnasts from the High Performance Program have competed internationally at Future Cup, Pac Rim, Commonwealth Games and World Championships.
He continues to share coaching techniques & knowledge with other coaches in Victoria. He truly wants Victoria & Australia to be counted in on a world level. 2015 HIGH PERFORMANCE COACH/COACHING TEAM OF THE YEAR
John Hart & Shaoyi Jiang (Waverley GC)
John Hart and Shaoyi Jiang's amazing work was recognised at the 2015 Australian Championships when they were presented with the 2014 Women's Gymnastics International Coaching Team of the Year Award. Their dedication to excellence, teaching talent, technical knowledge, strong focus on learning, work ethic, and ability to motivate both their gymnasts and those around them is an inspiration.
In 2015, John and Shaoyi's athletes have once again performed exceptionally, both on the National and International stage. This year, John and Shaoyi have had the following gymnasts selected to represent Australia: - Larrissa Miller selected for 5th World Championships team, contributing Australia's top score on bars, and second top score on floor. John was also selected as a team coach. - Eliza Freeman, Emily Whitehead and Talia Folino selected for Jesolo Trophy team. Emily 4th in Bars final, Talia qualified to 3 of 4 apparatus finals. - Emily Whitehead selected for Japan Junior International event. - Eliza Freeman selected for Massilia Cup team.
John and Shaoyi guided their athletes to some amazing results at both the 2015 Australian and Victorian Championships. Highlights from 2015 Australian Championships: - Snr Int. Eliza Freeman 4th AA - Jnr Int. Emily Whitehead 1st AA, Talia Folino 2nd AA, Jade Vella-Wright 5th AA - Int. 9 Romi Brown 1st AA
Highlights from 2015 Victorian Championships: - Snr Int. Eliza Freeman 4th AA and 1st Beam - Jnr Int. Talia Folino 1st AA, Jade Vella-Wright 2nd AA, Emily Whitehead 1st Bars - Int. 9 Romi Brown 1st AA 2015 HIGH PERFORMANCE COACH/COACHING TEAM OF THE YEAR
Loreto Aerobic Coaching Team Loreto Toorak, Aerobic Gymnastics coaches work closely as a team – Angela McMillan, Jenna Ward and Caitlin Murphy.
Angela is the Head Aerobic Gymnastics coach and previous World Champion. Angela is an inspiration and wealth of knowledge for aspiring gymnasts. She coaches the State High Performance Aerobics Squad.
Throughout 2015 Jenna has shown excellence in the field of Aerobic Gymnastics, she is the Coaching Coordinator for both the State Committee and National Commission and has been involved in Aerobic Gymnastics in Australia for over 15 years.
Caitlin works tirelessly with the elite gymnasts at the club and heads up the junior program.
Together the team coached 30 of the gymnasts on the State Team achieving many medals including one in the International Age Group 2 and bronze in the Senior Elite Division. Jenna was Head Coach of the State team, Angela a coach and Caitlin a Judge.
Loreto was represented with a senior gymnast out of only 3 selected to attend at the FIG Suzuki World Cup in Japan, where Jenna travelled as the Australian Team Coach. They also coached a Varsity AeroDance Team and 3 individuals who represented Australia at the ANAC International Aerobic Championships in San Diego. The Team won Gold and Silver. Angela travelled with the Australian team as Head Coach. 2015 HIGH PERFORMANCE COACH/COACHING TEAM OF THE YEAR
Mikhail Barabach, Lisa Bradley, Tracey Penaluna (NCE)
Four NCE - Melbourne gymnastics were selected to the 2015 World Championship squad, with 3 making the final team to compete in the championships. The 3 nominated coaches, provided outstanding leadership and excellence providing coaching support to these athletes, assisting them to achieve their goal of being selected for the Australian team.
All three coaches have worked as part of the dedicated team creating a high performance daily training environment for NCE –Melbourne the athletes training in preparation to be selected and ultimately compete in the World Championships in Glasgow.
Extensive individualised planning by these coaches as well as high level technical development enabled these athletes to progress and develop into International level competitors. 2015 HIGH PERFORMANCE COACH/COACHING TEAM OF THE YEAR
Tim Lees/Laura Phung (MLC GC)
Laura and Tim work with developing MLC’s International Competitive Program. 2015 has seen MLC’s International program grow to include two athletes representing Victoria at the Australian Championships as well as one of these athletes placing 2nd on beam at Australian and Victorian Championships.
Laura and Tim have helped to nurture these young athletes to also include representation at ILP 7 and 9 at the recent Australian Classic held in Geelong as well as representation at the Team Future Camps held in May and November at the AIS. 2015 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
The 2015 finalists are: • Cathy Haesler (Knox GC) • Graeme Marshall (Patterson Lakes CCG) • Judy Young (Eastern GC) • Paul Thanas
Clubs and Technical Committees click here to vote for the finalists Click Here to view the Selection Criteria 2015 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Cathy Haesler (Knox GC)
Throughout 2015, Cathy Haesler has led Knox Gymnastics Club through a very difficult period with a persistence that would see most people give up. In order to overcome major staffing issues, she devoted the majority of her year working tirelessly on the Club's issues to ensure a future for the Club's members. She has focussed on providing a fun environment for all participants and new opportunities.
When the head coach said he would like to take a team to train in China prior to retiring, Cathy single-handedly arranged the trip, which involved working through many nights without sleep (after working all day at her regular job). The trip was a huge success and Cathy then arranged an exchange program for the Chinese gymnasts to attend Knox. This again, was a massive feat with home-stays and hotels and day trips to organise for the Chinese gymnasts & coaches.
Cathy introduced fun events such as disco nights this year in order to give something back to the members. She is also determined to give back to the gymnastics industry and has arranged to put Knox on the competition map with 4 competitions scheduled for next year. All members and parents are in awe of the dedication and time she puts in.
Cathy is highly respected at the Club, leads by example and has an admirable integrity and work ethic. After a year of major trials and issues, she steadfastly got Knox Gymnastics Club back on it's feet and moving forward. 2015 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Graeme Marshall (Patterson Lakes CCG)
Graeme has been working at Patterson Lakes Community Centre Gymnastics for 24 years, and is the longest serving member there.
Graeme works 5 days a week coaching, and because we are a set-up/pack-down club, he is regularly there setting up early and often the last to leave (both in his own time - especially Fridays after Kindergym.) Graeme also regularly checks all the equipment whilst setting up to ensure safety of the gymnasts.
Graeme has assisted Kerry (GV) with a number of Disability and Respite expos, and volunteered his time with Special Olympics doing Gymnastics at a Special School in Springvale.
With the club entering Competitions for the first time this year, Graeme was requested to become a Judge. He willingly went and got his Beginners Judge qualification, then, a month later, got his Intermediate qualification to allow our only gymnast in ALP 5 to compete.
When problems arise, Graeme is there to assist in any way - eg a problem with the mats for the Ultimate Sports Expo. Graeme hired a truck on the Saturday, loaded our strip mats, delivered them to the Melb Showgrounds on Sunday AM, then returned on the Monday to retrieve the mats and return them to the club - voluntarily. Because of his dedication to the club, and for the many hours over and above the call of duty, he received the "Commitment Award' from the club this year. 2015 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Judy Young (Eastern GC)
Judy Young has been involved in Eastern Gymnastics Club and its predecessor, Box Hill Gymnastics Club for over 8 years. Judy was instrumental in the merge of the 2 predecessor Clubs and is a strong force behind Eastern Gymnastics Club and their growth and success.
She spends many hours reviewing policies, initiating benchmark practices and ensuring the Club's strong focus on doing things right. This ensures the Club runs smoothly and is a leader in the Gymnastics Community with best practice systems and procedures. Judy spend many hours "working" for the Club.
Judy is a regular attendee at working bees and competitions and events to help fundraise and promote the Club. She is a mentor to everyone at the Club but particularly to our young coaches stepping into management and coordination roles. Judy demonstrates quiet strength, grace, self confidence and integrity. She is active in the gymnastics community, forging close relationships with other Clubs and providing advice and mentorship. 2015 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Paul Thanas
Paul Thanas has been involved in gymnastics since the 1990's He has served as State Team Manager since the 1990s thru 2014.
He has been the Men's State Technical Director for 12 years and has involved in the set up and tear down of many Victorian Championships. He has contributed to the gymnastics community many times over thru his apparel business. 2015 OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR The 2015 finalists are: • Andrea Gilcrist • Carol James • Helen Chamberlain • Kate Lauder
Clubs and Technical Committees click here to vote for the finalists Click Here to view the Selection Criteria 2015 OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR
Andrea Gilcrist
Andrea Gilcrist, or the Grand Poobah as she is affectionately known in the TRP community is the organising force behind the Trampoline Victorian Championships and Levels All Stars with her team at Cheltenham Youth Club. Ensuring there are enough volunteers and spotters for every session whilst keeping the competitors in line and ensuring the Time of Flight Machine is running correctly is no mean feat.
Her knowledge of the trampoline scoring swescore is second to none, making her smiling face a common feature of not only Victorian Trampoline competitions but National ones as well. 2015 OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR
Carol James
Carol was a volunteer mum who started judging in 2003. She has now been judging continuously for 12 years. She has worked very hard completing many judging courses over the years. She is now one of a handful of MAG Advanced Silver judges in Victoria and was the highest ranked female Judge at the Victorian and Australian Championships this year. Carol has seen many judges come and go over this 12 year period. She has virtually attended all MAG competitions during this time.
Carol is a team player. Always making herself available to judge. There have been countless occasions where she has had the responsibility of being the only judge on a panel. She has been able to handle enormous pressure showing great leadership qualities. Carol also took on Acro judging so that the gymnasts at PIT could compete.
Carol has taken on many responsibilities in the MAG judging area. She has been on the committee of the MAG Judging Association since its inception. She has been on the Men’s Tech committee for the last 2 years. Carol is one of very few parents that have been able to reach a high level of judging and maintain the qualification in the MAG area.
Carol is a real asset to the MAG gymnastic community. She has fought hard to receive recognition and respect in a male dominated arena and continues to maintain a high level of excellence in the area of judging. 2015 OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR
Helen Chamberlain
Helen is a key member of the WAG gymnastics community. As the Event Coordinator for the Technical Committee, Helen is vital to ensuring the successful WAG competition season.
With the recent changes to the ALP and it's implementation in Victoria, Helen has been an instrumental and important part of this process. Her dedication to the ALP implementation and the hours of volunteer time that she has given has enabled these changes to occur quickly and smoothly.
Helen is a high level judge and judges at events at a local, state, national and international level 2015 OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR
Kate Lauder
Kate has a passion for gymnastics in general and our club in particular. Her passion is unrivalled and her determination to do things correctly and for the club has turned around our Werribee Gymnastics Club so much so that our numbers have tripled in the two years she has been there.
This has been the second time Kate has been at our club. Previously, as a coach and now as a coach and more importantly a reliable Club Administrator. Kate chases up members and their parents queries, she always replies to telephone calls and emails, she organises club events and orders clothing, certificates, ribbons, etc.. This helps attract new members and keeps existing members.
Kate disseminates information to the rest of the club from our leading gymnastics bodies as it comes in as well as attending every committee meeting to share the monthly club news with the rest of the committee.
Kate is organised and has brought a smooth stability and reliability to the everyday operation of our club. How Kate does this in a part time role is amazing. However, Kate still finds time to coach and look after her own family which are a credit to her. Nothing is every too much for Kate. 2015 INCLUSIVE LEADER OF THE YEAR
The 2015 finalists are: • Bronwyn Sanford (MYC Gymnastics) • Carly Sanders (YMCA Endeavour Hills) • Essendon Keilor Gymnastics Academy • Gymsport Academy of Movement & Excellence • Holly Moore (Peninsula Gymnastics) • Jets Gymnastics Gisborne • Sue Pearman (PIT Gymnastics)
Clubs and Technical Committees click here to vote for the finalists Click Here to view the Selection Criteria 2015 INCLUSIVE LEADER OF THE YEAR
Bronwyn Sanford (MYC Gymnastics)
Bronwyn holds many roles at MYC gymnastics. She is KG co-ordinator, administration and facility manager and secretary on the committee.
Bronwyn has focussed in 2015 on developing the clubs' inclusive program and has worked to add several programs this year and facilitate the development of coaches and the clubs inclusive abilities.
Bronwyn has developed the existing KG program and increased participant numbers in 2015 as well as adding a day time class specifically for home-schooled children. Bronwyn has also added Fit4All classes and Move my Way to the MYC programs.
Bronwyn has coordinated the development of the coaches to attend inclusive workshops and recently participated in the community All Abilities Day run at the centre. It has been because of Bronwyn's efforts that MYC gymnastics is now an Inclusive Leader Club. 2015 INCLUSIVE LEADER OF THE YEAR
Carly Sanders (YMCA Endeavour Hills)
The Gymnastics Program at Endeavour Hills Leisure Centre staff and volunteers are dedicated to running gymnastic classes that are welcoming and inclusive to everybody in the community.
Each individual or group are considered unique and programs are adapted according to specific needs. In consultation with the interested parties; Management team and coaching staff programs are designed to cater accordingly; whether it is a one on one class, a staggered approach or simply a match to a specific coach, we aim to always do our utmost to provide a safe learning environment for all.
The program also runs classes for specialist schools in their local community; Dandenong Valley, Monash and Emmerson are all regular participants of the program. These classes focus on developing fundamental movement skills in young children and adolescents. Some schools call it their “crash and bash” which gives students the opportunity to tumble and fall in a safe and controlled environment. The Specialist schools program provide a welcoming and inclusive environment enhancing life skills such as patience, persistence, discipline, coordination, ambition, courage and self-confidence. 2015 INCLUSIVE LEADER OF THE YEAR
Essendon Keilor Gymnastics Academy
Vision impaired kids trip over, bump into things and have to navigate spatial awareness with little or no sight. If anyone needs the skills Gymnastics teaches it is the vision impaired.
EKGA was the first club anywhere in Australia to link in with Vision Australian or Blindsports Victoria to look at how we could get Vision impaired children doing gymnastics. EKGA worked to develop a relationship with Blind Sports Victoria. This relationship lead to a pilot program, EKGA developing a “how to” flier, obtaining several grants for Blinds Sports Victoria and ultimately the program that was rolled out around Victoria earlier this year.
The EKGA program is in its fourth year and has been refined over time. The EKGA program now operates without any grants or funding, so that the Blindsports Victoria grant monies can be used to help more clubs launch programs. This year two more Beginner coaches were trained in running the Blindsports classes, so that our program can be duplicated as demand requires. EKGA is a privately owned family business, with the heart and compassion of a community club! 2015 INCLUSIVE LEADER OF THE YEAR
Gymsport Academy of Movement & Excellence
From the beginning in 2012 Gymsports Academy of Movement & Excellence continued to hire and train team members from a wide range of multicultural back grounds, in 2015 we extended this to engage team members from specific recruitment agencies aimed to get employment for people who are job active and from Disability Employment Services.
These members of the team interactive and positively contribute to the work environment and are fulfilled at being able to give back to the community as well as gain employment. 2015 INCLUSIVE LEADER OF THE YEAR
Holly Moore (Peninsula Gymnastics)
Holly Moore has a warm, gentle nature and a smile that encourages even the most timid participant. Highly motivated, Holly leads the way in inclusive coaching and sets the example for the team around her. Focussed on the individual Holly is able to progress or regress, if needed, all participants in any of her classes ensuring that they are challenged, inspired and successful.
Determined to facilitate the access of more children to our wonderful sport, Holly has been the driving force behind a partnership with Special Olympics, securing funding for a young athletes program at Peninsula Gymnastics. With this funding Holly is able to run a class each week throughout the year catered to young individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Taking on another project Holly set out to engage with local schools through the Active Schools Initiative, securing programs within four schools, who previously had no exposure to a gymnastics program, including Mornington Special Development School and Peninsula Special School. Holly received wonderful feedback from each of these schools expressing a desire to continue with gymnastics activities with their students and looking to continue a program in 2016.
Holly’s “energy, enthusiasm, great ideas and (her) real connection with our students was just what we needed to get us motivated to move forward with our gymnastics program” Susan Page, Principle Mornington Special School. Hundreds of children have been exposed to foundation movement programs and gymnastics, that otherwise would not have had this opportunity, thanks to the dedication of Holly to our sport. 2015 INCLUSIVE LEADER OF THE YEAR
Jets Gymnastics Gisborne
I would like to nominate Jets Gisborne for their Partnership with the Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School.
For the past 2+years Jets Gisborne has invited the Specialist school to make use of our facility and coaches to introduce their students to gymnastics and movement. Each week a different class attends, with children of all ages who have various intellectual and physical challenges.
The students LOVE their classes and leave with the biggest smile on their faces. With the help of their aids, the participants walk on the beams, learn various jumps on the tumble track, hula hooping skills, and utilise the foam pit & trampolines.
The partnership has been fantastic for both the school (located in Bullengarook and Sunbury) and Jets Gisborne- whose staff have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside the Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Specialist School to bring gymnastics to these children's lives 2015 INCLUSIVE LEADER OF THE YEAR
Sue Pearman (PIT Gymnastics)
Sue is one of the original leaders involved in Inclusion projects taking on a number of projects when approached by Gymnastics Victoria. This has evolved into a number of organisations coming to PIT gymnastics for inclusion programs. Sue has become a go to person for developing inclusion programs, finding it hard to say no. Sue has expanded the programs offered in 2015, including Waratah SDS, Concord School, Araluen Community group and Diamond Valley SDS. She has developed a team of coaches who can now assist her.
Sue has been involved as a volunteer in the Variety Club Christmas Party held every year for over ten years at Jeff’s Shed taking down a trailer load of equipment from PIT. In that time she has taken many coaches to experience this event. Sue in conjunction with Gymnastics Victoria did sessions for children at the Royal Children's and the Monash hospital promoting inclusion activities.
Sue has been the schools coordinator at PIT for over 20 years. She has been hands on teaching gymnastics to literally thousands of children dealing with a whole range of issues but including them and giving them a positive learning experience.
Sue is highly respected with all the organisations she has been involved with a leader in the area of inclusion. Her integrity is beyond doubt. Sue has always led by example participating in the World Gymnaestrada in Helsinki at the young age of 62 after a knee replacement only 18 months previous.