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Ulinga Opens Its Doors As Federal Government Announces $11M Sports FundingUlinga Gymnastics Club, Traralgon has positioned itself for an exciting new growth phase as the Federal Government announces $600,000 per year in gymnastics participation funding.
By Russell Northe - 7th December 2010 - Back to News Nationals Member for Morwell Russell Northe said the club is gearing up for a membership boost in 2011 with the recruitment of a new team of coaches and plans for increased classes for Kindergym and primary school aged children.
"Gymnastics Australia was successful in securing $600,000 per year, over a four year period to fund initiatives aimed at increasing participation in gymnastics and reducing childhood obesity. Gymnastics was one of the big winners in the recent Federal announcement alongside football, cricket, Netball and tennis.
"Ulinga Gymnastics, which is affiliated with Gymnastics Australia, is expecting to be involved in the roll out of national initiatives at a grass roots level, which is fantastic."
Mr Northe said Ulinga has plans to expand its services to build a larger and more diverse member base.
"The club has been operating in Traralgon for 30 years and has primarily focused on the traditional gymnastics disciplines for boys and girls.
Influenced by the direction the sport has taken in recent years the club is working towards running programs for the newer disciplines including Aerobics and Cheerleading."
Club President Mr Alistair Edgar believes it will take the national body some time to develop and implement its new participation strategies but is confident the club will be well positioned to deliver the sport to the local community:
"The Committee of Management has been working behind the scenes for the past six months to increase the club’s capacity and strengthen ties with the local community.
"Ulinga is here to deliver the local community with the opportunity to participate in gymnastics. Gymnastics today is far more than the traditional competitive Olympic disciplines; it has something to offer everybody".
Mr Edgar said the club plans to work closely with local primary schools to build partnerships and increase the number of children involved in the sport.
"We have high expectations for the future of the club and are optimistic that the recent funding announcement will assist to increase membership and strengthen our club’s potential to gain local and state funding for a new facility.
"Gymnastics has been recognised alongside high profile sports such as football, cricket and netball. Ulinga has been in ongoing discussions with Latrobe City Council and the Department of Planning and Community Development and this can only strengthen our cause".
Ulinga Gymnastics Club will be on show this Saturday 4th December as it holds in its annual Christmas gala event. The event is open to the general public and will be held at the current facility on the Traralgon – Maffra Road 4:00pm.
Media: Alistair Edgar, President, Ulinga Gymnastics Club - 0412 210 391
Julia Auciello
Electorate Officer for
Russell Northe MLA
Member for Morwell
66 George St (PO Box 214)
Morwell 3840
Ph: (03) 5133 9088
Fax: (03) 5133 9388
Website: www.russellnorthe.com.au
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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