Updated 12th May 2008

GYMNASTICS AUSTRALIA LAUNCHES MYHEREOES SITE
Gymnastics Australia is pleased to announce the launch of MyHeroes. The MyHeroes concept is simple - to connect gymnastics fans with their heroes through personalised messages and merchandise.

Through a range of innovative and appealing products, available from the myheroes.com.au website, fans are able to show their support for our favourite Aussie gymnastics stars.

The following Aussie stars are involved in the launch of this great new opportunity:

Prashanth Sellathurai, Philippe Rizzo, Josh Jefferis and Sam Simpson from Men's Artistic;
Dasha Joura, Lauren Mitchell, Ashleigh Brennan and Shona Morgan from Women's Artistic;
Naazmi Johnston from Rhythmic Gymnastics; & Ben Wilden and Scott Brown from Trampoline Sports.

Every gymnastics fan in the country, and indeed around the world, can support these favourite Aussie gymnastics stars by purchasing products from the myheroes.com.au website.

These products can be used by Coaches and Clubs as incentives, awards and special recognition for athletes training in their programs, all accessed simply at myheroes.com.au.

Parents and family Members can also purchase products from the myheroes.com.au range and provide these on special occasions, birthdays, exams or for competition results to inspire, reward and show appreciation for the athlete's hard work and dedication to the sport.

In further news, Gymnastics Australia is also pleased to present affiliated gymnastics Clubs with a great fundraising opportunity in conjunction with myheroes.com.au.

Gymnastics Australia believes that the key to the success of myheroes.com.au is in working with the gymnastics community to help spread the message. As such, Gymnastics Australia encourages all Clubs to promote myheroes.com.au to its Members. When Club Members, family or friends purchase products from the myheroes.com.au range, they will be able to ensure a 5% return of the sale price to their affiliated Club.

This is a great way for affiliated Clubs to promote and support their favourite Aussie gymnastics stars and earn income at the same time. Gymnastics Australia will be contacting all affiliated Clubs by separate contact to provide more details about this special fundraising opportunity and provide some hints as to how this can be promoted within your Club.

WATCH ALL THE ACTION FROM SELECTED SESSIONS OF THE OLYMPIC TRIALS AND 2008 AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS OVER THE WEB
Gymnastics Australia will be presenting a post event video/audio webcast of selected sessions from the forthcoming 2008 Olympic Trials and 2008 Australian Championships.

" Through this medium, we are delighted that we can reach our members and supporters who cannot be in Melbourne during the actual event. Finally we can showcase our most talented athletes to all of Australia and bring their awesome skills right into the homes of the gymnastics community "

The event will be streamed on demand as follows:

• Thursday 22nd May - WAG Senior and Junior Team Event
  (from 7.30pm EST - Thu 22nd May)
• Friday 23rd May - WAG Senior and Junior All-Around and Apparatus Finals
  (from 10.30am EST - Sat 24th May)
  
• Sunday 25th May - MAG/WAG National Apparatus Challenge
  (from 7.30pm EST - Sun 25th May)
  

Each of the above sessions will be made available to view on-line via subscription:

Single Event- $7.95
Two Events - $12.95
All Three Events - $16.95

Note: Members of the public and gymnastics fans will be able to subscribe to the webcast from the GA web site. A special subscription rate will be made available to those who purchase a subscription for all three events. Subscribers may choose when they wish to watch the event, with events to be held in archive for viewing at a later date.

Click the graphic below to view an event teaser of the action you are likely to see as part of the webcast.

Keep an eye out for more news about the webcast over coming weeks.

OLYMPIC SELECTION TRIALS AND 2008 AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
The 2008 edition of the Championships will be held from May 22-25 at Vodafone Arena. This years championships will include the Olympic Selection trial for Women's Artistic and a special National Apparatus Challenge on Sunday 25th May.

The National Apparatus Challenge will see the very best Australian artistic gymnasts compete for
apparatus supremacy and prize money. This is a wonderful opportunity for members and gymnastics fans to see Australia's best in action.

Australian gymnasts, Phil Rizzo, Prashanth Sellathurai, Dasha Joura, Lauren Mitchell, Ashleigh
Brennan and Sam Simpson are just some of the gymnasts that will be competing in the National Apparatus Challenge.

As always the Australian Championships will offer a feast of gymnastics action including:-

WAG Olympic Trial (Women’s Team event) on May 22 @ 12:00noon
WAG Olympic Trial (Women’s All-Around and Apparatus Finals) on May 23 @ 7.00pm

For a detailed competition schedule and additional event information please click here.

Tickets Available from Ticketek (from April 8th):-
Adults: $22.00
Concession $12 (incl children 4-16 years, students and pensioners
Family: $56.00 (2 adults and 2 children)

Please order your tickets through Ticketek or 132 849.

Notes:
- Children under 4 years will be admitted free of charge
- All sessions will be ticketed as General Seating
- For a seating map, please click here

Special Ticket Offer Extended to affiliated Gymnastics Clubs:-
Gymnastics Australia is pleased to offer a special group ticket price of $12 per session for groups of 20 or more. This includes both adult and concession tickets at the one low price. To take advantage of this great saving, affiliated clubs will need to complete the attached order form and return to Gymnastics Australia by Wednesday 14th May 2008.

DOWNLOAD - SPECIAL GROUP TICKET OFFER INFORMATION

DOWNLOAD - SPECIAL GROUP TICKET ORDER FORM

Please note: That should your ticket order form be received after Friday 9th May, you will be required to collect your tickets from the Ticket Box Office at the main entrance of Vodafone Arena.

SPORTS SCIENCE FORUM - PREVENTING ELBOW INJURY IN GYMNASTICS
Gymnastics Australia in conjunction with the Sports Science and Sports medicine Committee will be hosting a Sport Science and Medicine Forum in conjunction with the forthcoming Australian Championships.

Date: Wed 21st May 2008
Time: 7.30 for 8pm start
Venue: Vodafone Arena (Western Lounge)
Cost: Free of charge
RSVP: To mcurrie@gymnastics.org.au

This annual forum is directed towards sports science and medical professionals along with gymnastics coaches. It is a free session, supported by Gymnastics Australia with the aim of injury prevention. We welcome all members and interested professionals and look forward to seeing you on the night. Don't forget to register early.

Presenter:
Dr Don McIntosh - Dr Don coordinated gymnastics medical services for the 2000 Olympics, 2005 Melbourne World Championships and 2006 Commonwealth Games and is a member of the FIG medical commission.
Topic: Elbow injury, conservative and surgical management, research and future directions.

Presenter:
Fiona Sutherland - Fiona is a sports dietitian who specialises in Eating Disorders and Eating Behaviour. Fiona has a special interest in gymnastics and works closely with Gymnastics Victoria. Topic: Nutrition for bone health, bone age delay and injury.

Presenter:
Dr Liz Bradshaw - Liz is an eminent researcher and educator from Australian Catholic University who has a research interest in gymnastics. Liz has a PhD in biomechanics and motor control along with human movement and teaching degrees.
Topics: Biomechanics of elbow injury in gymnastics. Directions for current and future research.

Presenter:
Dr Kathy Yu - Dr Yu has provided medical support to Gymnastics for many years. She currently coordinates medical services for MAG athletes in Victoria and is a consultant physician for the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA).
Topic: Pommel arm and elbow injury in Men's Artistic Gymnastics.

Presenter:
Phil Cossens - APA Sports Physiotherapist, is an ex gymnast, gymnastics coach and physio to the Australian MAG team.
Topic: Conservative rehabilitation from elbow injury and injury prevention through technique, strength and control.

Panel discussion:
All 5 presenters will be available for discussion regarding elbow injury in gymnastics.

SPORTS SCIENCE AND SPORTS MEDICINE COMMITTEE - E-NEWS UPDATE
The latest e-News update from GA's Sports Science and Sports Medicine Committee is now available for viewing from the GA web site. Please click here to view a copy.

GYMNASTICS WEEK 2008 - PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY
Gymnastics Australia is busy planning Gymnastics Week in conjunction with Gymnastics 2008 activities. Please keep these dates in your diary - 8th to 24th August. Gymnastics Week 2008 has been planned to coincide with the Olympic Games.

Isn't that a fortnight rather than a week, you say? Well yes, but all the better to celebrate Gymnastics while it basks in the glory of the Olympic spotlight.

Keep an eye on future issues of the Latest News for more information about what activities are planned for Gymnastics Week 2008.

MEN'S ARTISTIC - 2008 MAG OPEN TOUR SELECTION TRIAL
The Level 8 Open and Level 9 Open MAG gymnasts who wish to be considered for selection to compete at the 2008 New Zealand National Championships in Hamilton New Zealand must complete the Selection trial Nomination Form. Please click here to download this form from the MAG website.

The completed nomination form must be emailed or faxed (03 9830 4788) to the National Program Manager - Karon Williams at kwilliams@gymnastics.org.au by Monday 7th July 2008.

Failure to lodge the entry form by the due date will result in the gymnast not being permitted to trial for a position on the 2008 MAG Australian Open Tour. Entry into the Selection Trial does not constitute automatic entry into the National Championships. Gymnasts must still be nominated separately by their State Association into the National Championships.

MEN'S ARTISTIC - NATIONAL JUDGING ASSESSMENT INVITATION
The National Judging Assessment will be held on Thursday 22nd May 2008 in the Club Room at the Vodafone Arena, Melbourne from 10.30am - 2.30pm. Judges with a current Level 3A qualification who have undertaken the National Course are eligible to sit the exam. There is no fee for the assessment.

The National Judging Assessment registration will be offered on-line as part of Gymnastics Australia's G-Course trial. Please click here to sign in and register for the assessment. If you require assistance to register, please contact Gymnastics Australia on (03) 9830 4588 Ext 206 or email rherdman@gymnastics.org.au

WOMEN'S ARTISTIC - DASHA JOURA'S LATEST ENTRY
Read the latest contribution from Dasha Joura as she contributes regularly for PerthNow.

WOMEN'S ARTISTIC - INTERNATIONAL LEVELS 6 AND 8 JUDGES COURSE
Date: Monday 7th July 2008
Venue: Sleeman Centre, Chandler, QLD
Course fee: $100.00 for participants who do not hold a WAG National Judges accreditation for this cycle:
$20.00 for participants who have completed a National accreditation on this cycle
$20.00 for observers

To enquire about, or register for this course, please contact Helen Colagiuri hcolagiuri@gymnastics.org.au

WOMEN'S ARTISTIC - INTERNATIONAL LEVELS 6 AND 8 CLINIC
Dates: 13 - 15 July 2008
Venue: QAS Gym, Sleeman Centre, Chandler, Brisbane

All gymnasts training in International Level 6 & 8 are eligible to attend this clinic. Gymnasts must be accompanied by a coach.

Circular and Application forms have been forwarded to Clubs and State Associations.

RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS - 34TH CORBEIL ESSONNES INTERNATIONAL EVENT
Congratulations to Naazmi Johnston on placing 29th/66 at the Corbeil - Essonnes RG Tournament held on the 9 - 11th May 2008. Naazmi achieved an AA score of 59.550 scoring 15.250 in Rope, 14.400 in Hoop, 14.700 in Clubs and 15.200 in Ribbon.

Naazmi continues to show improvement on the competition floor as she prepares for the 2008 Olympics in 3 months time.

RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS - 2008 RG LEVELS TOUR SELECTION TRIAL
The Level 7, 8, 9 and 10 gymnasts who wish to be considered for selection to compete at the 2008 New Zealand National Championships in Hamilton New Zealand must complete the Selection Trial Nomination Form. Please click here to download this form from the RG website.

The completed nomination form must be emailed or faxed (03 9830 4788) to the National Program Manager - Karon Williams at kwilliams@gymnastics.org.au by Friday 11th July 2008.

Failure to lodge the entry form by the due date will result in the gymnast not being permitted to trial for a position on the 2008 Australian RG Levels Tour. Entry into the Selection Trial does not constitute automatic entry into the National Championships. Gymnasts must still be nominated separately by their State Association into the National Championships.

RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS - 2008 NATIONAL CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS
The RG National Clubs Championships will be held on the 2-4th October 2008 at the Melbourne Girls College in Richmond. The Aussie All Stars event will be held prior to the Championships on the 30th September - 1st October 2008. Gymnastics Victoria will be hosting the event and all enquiries should be directed to the GV Events Director, Lauren Killip on (03) 9214 6020 Ext 201 or email events@gymnasticsvictoria.org.au

GENERAL GYMNASTICS - FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP DISPLAY CHOREOGRAPHY SKILLS: 7TH - 9TH NOVEMBER
The General Gymnastics SMC is pleased to present a Choreography Workshop for coaches creating Gymnastic Displays. The workshop will cater to experienced and beginner coaches Workshop highlights include:

• Practical sessions with Debra Iris Batton, Artistic Director of Legs On The Wall, Physical Theatre Company, Sydney
• Step out of the gym and into the Red Box Performance Space
• Share ideas and experiences with like-minded coaches from around Australia
• Learn more about the journey to the World Gymnaestrada and FIG Display Contest
• Special offer for clubs who have previously attended a World Gymnaestrada

Please click here for more information.

SPORT AEROBICS - MARTIN ON TOP OF THE WORLD
Congratulations to Martin Warren on his recent media exposure in the Redlands Bayside Bulletin.

SPORT AEROBICS - LEVEL 3 JUDGES COURSE
Gymnastics Australia has partnered with the National Sport Aerobics SMC to trial on-line course entry as part of its IT Plan. G-Course will see a sample of current technical members being provided with an opportunity to register on-line to attend forthcoming judging courses.

G-Course forms part of Gymnastics Australia's IT Plan and continues the work already undertaken in the G-Renew project (on-line Technical Membership renewal) and G-Transact pilot project (currently in progress with GNSW and GV).

If you are interested in attending this course please click here for the relevant information.

TRAMPOLINE SPORTS – OLYMPIC PREPARATION CONTINUES
Ben Wilden (Olympic nominee) and Scott Brown (Olympic reserve) continue their preparation for the 2008 Olympic Games with the Worlds Cups of Japan and France. Currently in a training camp in Osaka with athletes from the Japanese Team, the British team and the Uzbekistan team, Ben & Scott will compete in the Japan World Cup on the 17th & 18th of May. It is then over to the France World Cup, where they will meet up with the Australian Sports Acrobatics team and compete in Publier on the 23rd & 24th of May. The National SMC and the Trampoline Sports community wish them all the best in their preparations.

SPORTS ACROBATICS – FRANCE WORLD CUP
A team consisting of a Pair (Felicity Munton & Glen Wimberley) and a Trio (Bianca Ilacqua, Eliza Hui & Lisa Jones) will arrive in France next week to compete at the first World Cup for 2008. The competition will be held in Publier, France on the 23rd & 24th of May, with the team arriving on the 20th to complete their preparations. The National SMC and the Sports Acrobatics community wish the team every success at this event.

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