Gymnastics Nelson leap forward to new floor

Gymnastics Nelson has been granted $50,000 from New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) to replace its ageing, sprung floor.

The new floor will improve safety and accessibility for the wide range of community groups that use the facility, including schools, athletes, and individuals with physical and mental impairments.

“Our old sprung gymnastics floor was twenty years old and degrading,” Gymnastics Nelson committee member Cindy Mosey says.

“We have numerous community groups using our gymnasium, and since we installed disability access, we urgently required a safe floor for all users.”

With a diverse group of people using the gym including refugees, schools, and athletes, the new floor is vital for maintaining a safe environment for all.

Local gymnasts are excited about the new floor as well.

“I’ve spent a few weeks in the Mosey-Grayson Memorial Gymnasium with the Forever Active 55+ programme, but the old floor is unresponsive, unsteady, and uneven in places, says 79-year-old gymnast Margot Hannigan.

“It will be such a delight to have it replaced.”

Thirteen-year-old gymnast Isabelle Turner is also looking forward to the change.

“I love being involved with gymnastics. It keeps me healthy, and I enjoy the spirit of the other athletes. I’m really looking forward to having a safer and springier place to practise my moves.”

NZCT’s GM of grants, marketing and communications, Ben Hodges, says the the new floor will get more people to safely enjoying the facility.

“We’re proud that the funds raised through our responsible gaming partnership with Ocean Lodge has made this a reality.”