By Matthew Sims
Berwick’s Funtastic Gymnastics has conquered the Junior Victorian Gymnastics Championships, producing 2023’s best performing gymnasts in the over 9s (Level 5 category).
Led by head coach Janet Howe, both of Funtastic Gymnastics’ Level 5 division teams were crowned state champions over Saturday 21 October and Sunday 22 October and the club is also now officially home to the state’s best individual performers, taking out 1st and 2nd place in both Division 1 and Division 2.
Arianna Naidu was named Victoria’s All Around 1st for Division 1 and Gabriela Guedes was named Victoria’s overall first for Division 2 at the event.
Elizabeth Cosgriff and Aaliyah Black weren’t far behind, earning second place in Level 5 Division 1 and Division 2 respectively.
Funtastic Gymnastics featured on the winners stage at Level 6 as well, with Chelsy Xuereb securing second place for Level 6 Division 2.
Ms Howe said she was thrilled with the results and commended the girls for their hard work and determination.
“I am so proud of the girls, their performances were truly exceptional,” she said.
Ms Howe said funding for equipment and supporting programs was an important part of running a small club.
“Our small, young, privately funded club is up against many longstanding major players, that are well-funded by corporate sponsorships and government grants,” she said.
“We’re achieving great things with a very small budget – but we could take leaps and bounds with corporate and government support – we’d love to level the playing field and give our young athletes better equipment and support, to help them reach their full potential.
“With better resources in place, the club could accept more placements, offer more advanced training and fund competitions for the young athletes, who currently fund their own travel and entries.”
Coached by Lisa Vaneijk, the Level 4 teams also wowed the judges during the championships’ second weekend on Saturday 21 October and Sunday 22 October, with the Division 1 team placing second overall and the Division 2 team placing third overall.
