FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2 SEPTEMBER 2019

NATIONAL CLUBS GYMNASTICS CARNIVAL RETURNS TO GOLD COAST


Kicking off event celebrations at the stunning Sea World Marine Park, the best of Australia’s gymnastics talent will once again converge on the Gold Coast next week as Gymnastics Australia’s premier participation event, the National Clubs Gymnastics Carnival, returns to the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre. 

Continuing to grow after the success of 2018, the Carnival is set to once again bring more than 5000 competitors, officials and support staff from across the country to the Gold Coast for 18 days of competition and a festival of gymnastics from September 11 to 29.

With participation in the event continuing to grow year on year, the 2019 event will also play host to the country’s elite gymnasts as they aim for qualifications for World Championship events. 

Gymnastics Australia Chief Executive Officer Kitty Chiller AM said the ongoing success was a testament to the quality of gymnastics across the country. 

“Having continuous growth in this event is a great indication of where we are at as a sport nationally.” Ms Chiller said. 

“It is a true celebration of gymnastics at every level. From grassroots with our youngest participants at just five years old, to our seasoned high-performance athletes working towards World Championship and even Olympic qualification, the success of this event highlights the incredible future that the sport holds.”

With the event returning to the Gold Coast for its second year, Ms Chiller acknowledged the incredible support provided by partners Tourism and Events Queensland and the City of Gold Coast to deliver the event.

Home to the largest gymnastics club in the country and following the success of the 2018 Commonwealth Games, the Gold Coast has proven to be a true hub for the sport with growth in participation at this event stronger than ever.

“The Gold Coast loves gymnastics and we are thrilled to be returning to a location and facility that supports world class competition.” Ms Chiller said. 

“This will be the largest National Clubs Carnival we have held to date and it’s incredibly exciting for us to be able to hold this event within a community that truly embraces our sport.”

Minister for Tourism Industry Development Kate Jones said hosting this event for a second year on the Gold Coast would deliver a strong economic win for Queensland’s economy.
 
“In 2018 the event delivered close to $7 million demonstrating that events attract visitors which create jobs in tourism” Ms Jones said.
 
“Last year we saw a huge spike in participation numbers after hosting this event for the first time on the Gold Coast, demonstrating the huge pull of this amazing region, and I’m pleased to see this strong growth trajectory continue.
 
“Athletes will have the opportunity to compete in world-class facilities upgraded during the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and benefit from some unique tourism experiences during their stay.”

Gold Coast Mayor, Tom Tate said the local community had embraced the carnival which was a great indication of the Gold Coast’s attitude towards hosting major sporting events.
 
“Our ability to host events like this one is a shining example of our Commonwealth Games legacy and proves our reputation as a world class sporting event destination continues to thrive,” he said.  

The National Clubs Carnival features the Olympic disciplines of Men’s Artistic, Women’s Artistic, Rhythmic and Trampoline Gymnastics, as well as competitive Aerobic and Acrobatic Gymnastics, plus the non-competitive discipline of Gymnastics for All.

Highlights of the competition include the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Australian Classic event featuring Queensland locals Georgia Godwin and Georgia Rose Brown, joining Men’s Artistic, Rhythmic and Trampoline Gymnastics as they all hold selection trials for the 2019 FIG World Championships. 

All of these trials are being held in conjunction with the National Clubs Carnival competition. 

Visit nationalclubscarnival.com.au for more information on the event.

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For Further Information:
Shannon Knaus
Communications and Marketing Manager
Gymnastics Australia
0438 487 216
[email protected]

Jessie Hare
Digital Marketing and Events Coordinator
Gymnastics Australia
[email protected]