Sport
14 August, 2024
Gymnastics return to town
THE Mossman and District Gymnastics club is on the comeback after Tropical Cyclone Jasper played havoc on its venue and equipment.
The club has been in limbo for the last eight months after the flooding event in December caused significant damage to their Mill St building.
Club manager Hayley Bender said the club lost most of its equipment including gymnastics apparatus, flooring, mats, computers, furniture, fridges and electrical items.
Ms Bender said there was “a lot of mud and mould … it was devastating”.
She said it brought “many tears to the eyes of coaches, parents, families and the kids.”
Ms Bender said a lot of equipment was removed and given a good clean but the club also lost a lot of gear and had been on a fundraising spree to buy new.
She said the club now had the minimal amount of equipment to start again
“The past six months have been incredibly challenging for our community and temporarily closing the doors on our rich 55-year history was not easy,” Ms Bender said.
“The rebuilding process has been long and continues, but we’re thrilled to be bouncing back once again.”
Douglas Shire Council assisted with the club’s return by providing the Mossman Shire Hall as temporary home base until repairs at its former venue are completed.
“A big thank you to the council for supporting us in taking this first step,” Ms Bender said.
“It’s a mixture of relief and excitement to be finally up and running, with our interim venue at the shire hall and our school and kindergarten programs back in action,” she said.
Ms Bender said it was “great” to be back and the “kids were so excited”.
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the club was a much-loved organisation and deserved the council’s support.
“It has been a tough year for the club and its members and (the) council has been working with organisers to find a solution,” she said.
Cr Scomazzon said it was “really exciting news” the club was back.
She said the club was one of the oldest in the shire.
“Many of the club’s members have been watching the gymnastics at the Paris Olympics with great interest,” Cr Scomazzon said.
“It could be just the inspiration they need to get back on the mats and hone their skills in Mossman,” she said.
