By Matthew Sims
A group of Berwick’s brightest gymnastic stars have wowed the judges at Gymnastics Victoria’s Metro East Regional Championships, with each team from Funtastic Gymnastics being crowned champions in their respective levels.
Held over Saturday 31 August and Sunday 1 September, the champions pitted teams from across the eastern suburbs against each other.
Funtastic Gymnastics head coach Janet Howe said their club won every level offered in the highest division available.
“We are exceptionally proud of all the girls who competed at the championships, they are incredibly committed to their training, with all the girls training between 10 to 20 hours per week and some squads attending 6am training sessions before school in order to fit in their required training hours per week,” she said.
“The girls perform routines on 4 different apparatus – floor, beam, vault and bars – with each routine being adjudicated by two judges who determine how well the girls have executed the required skills for their level, with the scores being accumulated to form a team score.
“It is a high pressure environment as the girls only have once chance to perform their routine, and as they are competing in Division 1, the competition is of a very high standard.”
Ms Howe said the teams have now qualified to compete in the Victorian Champions in Geelong in October.
“The girls remained calm and composed at the championships due to the resilience and discipline they have developed throughout their training which allowed them to perform at a very high standard under pressure,” she said.
“The girls are now preparing to travel to the Gold Coast at the end of September to participate in the National Clubs Carnival which is a national level competition against clubs from all over Australia, and will then compete at the Victorian Championships in October.”
Ms Howe said competing in gymnastics helped the performers achieve amazing things and create physical and mental strength.
“As a gymnastics coach, I see firsthand the incredible benefits gymnastics offers to young children,” she said.
“Our sport helps kids develop strength, flexibility, and coordination, which are the building blocks for all physical activity.
“Beyond the physical benefits, gymnastics also teaches discipline, focus, and resilience—qualities that carry over into every aspect of life.”
Ms Howe said having fun was always the main goal of everything their club does.
“It’s a fun and engaging way for kids to stay active, make new friends, and build confidence,” she said.
“At our club, we’re committed to helping each child discover their potential and enjoy the many rewards that gymnastics brings.”
