INVERELL'S young gymnasts will soon be flipping from the high bar without fear of injury, thanks to a $5000 state government grant for new safety equipment at the Boys Club Inverell Gymnastics (BCI).
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BCI Gymnastics Treasurer Greg Bannerman said enhanced safety equipment would be welcomed by the more than 70 gymnasts, who use the facility.
"Currently, we have 33 gymnasts enrolled in our competition level programs, 33 in our recreation gym classes and 11 students enrolled in our pre-level classes who are working hard to reach competition standard," Mr Bannerman said.
"By installing this added safety equipment, gymnasts and coaches will both be emboldened to work harder, develop their skills and build confidence in disciplines they previously thought may have been beyond their ability."
He said prior to COVID-19 putting the hand-break on their activities, BCI had started Kinder Gym for pre-schoolers.
"This new equipment will really suit the fun, developmental movement skills which are offered in this program and hopefully give parents peace-of-mind their children are safe while participating," he said.
"This grant has been a great surprise for our club which has been greatly hampered by the virus.
"As soon as the funds arrive, I will be ordering the equipment, in the hope of having it installed in time for the resumption of classes," he said,
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall announced the funding on Thursday and said the new equipment would allow BCI Gymnasts to challenge themselves in more advanced disciplines.
"Gymnastics is not a sport for the faint hearted, with the slightest misstep on the balancing beam or fall from the parallel bar having the potential to cause serious injury," Mr Marshall said.
"In an effort to reduce injuries, while still encouraging participants to push themselves, BCI Gymnastics will upgrade its existing equipment, specifically the carpeted tumbling strip, the tri-fold soft landing mat and safety block for the springboard.
He said gym equipment was notoriously expensive and in the past BCI had relied on community fundraising to undertake upgrades.
"This grant will ease the financial pressure on the committee while ensuring the highest safety standards are maintained," he said.
