Updated 17th March 2008

WIN ONE OF TEN COPIES OF A NEW DVD "PEACEFUL WARRIOR" FEATURING GYMNASTICS
“Peaceful Warrior” an inspiring drama which tells the story of Dan Millman, a talented, yet arrogant college gymnast who seems to have it all until his world is turned upside down after he meets a mysterious stranger he refers to as Socrates. Socrates seems to hold the power to tap into new worlds of strength and understanding and becomes Dan's mentor who guides him through various avenues of his life. Dan suffers from a serious injury, and with the help of Socrates he grows to realize that strength of spirit is what leads a man to his true greatness.

With a great cast including Nick Nolte, Amy Smart and Scott Melchowiz and directed by Victor Salva, this truly inspiring drama is a must have on DVD.

“Peaceful Warrior” is being released on 19th March 2008.

View the trailer

Gymnastics Australia in conjunction with Roadshow Entertainment has ten copies of Peaceful Warrior to giveaway to the first ten technical members or affiliated clubs, who repsond via return email to this week's Latest News including both the title of the DVD and the name of one of the cast members.

EXCITING NEW RESOURCE RELEASED - GYMNASTICS AUSTRALIA'S CORE STABILITY CD-ROM
The Core Stability CD-ROM is a great new resource for coaches, containing hundreds of ideas for training athletes of all levels to develop effective core stability. GA's sport science and medicine committee have put together images and exercise descriptions for MAG and WAG athletes on one easy to use CD so that you can print out exercise cards or posters for your gym.

Progressions range from basic to advanced levels and there is a great overview of core stability and injury prevention.

There is very good scientific evidence to show that improving core stability will reduce back injury, promote effective technique and posture and enhance performance. Consider spending 10 minutes each day working on stability with your athletes and see the difference it can make.

The Core Stability CD-ROM is available for immediate sale from the GA Gymshop for $33 (including GST) and postage and handling.

GYMNASTICS AUSTRALIA'S MEDIA AND EVENTS E-NEWS UPDATE
Please click here to view a copy of the March 2008 Media and Events e-News update.

MEN'S ARTISTIC - NATIONAL PROGRAM CD-ROM
The National MAG SMC have released an updated version of the MAG Program CD (Version 4.2) which is effective from 1st January 2008. The updated CD will be available for sale from Tuesday 25th March 2008.

View the National Program Changes effective 1st January 2008.

MEN'S ARTISTIC - 2007 MAG ANNUAL AWARDS CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
Nominations are called for the 2007 Men's Artistic Gymnastics Awards. Awards categories include:-

Senior International Gymnast of the Year
Junior International Gymnast of the Year
Open Levels Gymnast for 2007
International Coach of the Year
Open Levels Coach of the Year
Coach Encouragement Award
Judging Official of the Year

Please download the Award Criteria and the Nomination Form from the MAG website.
Nominations are due back at Gymnastics Australia by the 28th March 2008.

WOMEN'S ARTISTIC - RESULTS FROM THE USA TOUR
Congratulations to the Australian girls for the excellent results achieved in USA on the weekend.

Friendship Classic - Pottsville
Dasha Joura: 1st All Around, 1st Vault, 1st Bars, 2nd Beam, 2nd Floor
Lauren Mitchell: 2nd All Around, 3rd Vault, 3rd Bars, 1st Beam, 1st Floor

Click here for the full results

Click here to read a pre-competition media article on Dasha Joura.

Golden City Classic - Sacramento
Junior:-
Emily Little: 1st All around
Britt Greeley: 2nd All Around
Senior:-
Shona Morgan: 1st All Around
Ashleigh Brennan: 2nd All Around

WOMEN'S ARTISTIC - FORMER GYMNAST SHOOTS FOR GOLD
Australia's Olympic Shooting team has snared an unusual recruit in former gymnast Allana Slater and she's now shooting for a second chance at Olympic glory.

View the complete interview on the ABC's 7.30 Report.

WOMEN'S ARTISTIC - DASHA JOURA COMMENTARY
Read Dasha Joura's latest journal article as part of PerthNow's Commentary Team in the lead up to the Beijing Olympic Games. You can keep an eye on Dasha's thoughts by clicking this link and searching on Dasha Joura.

WOMEN'S GYMNASTICS - 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 will be forwarded to Clubs and State Associations later this week.

RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS - 2007 RG ANNUAL AWARDS - CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
Nominations are called for the 2007 Rhythmic Gymnastics Awards. Award categories include:-

Senior International Gymnast of the Year
Junior International Gymnast of the Year
International Coach of the Year
Level 7-10 Gymnast of the Year
Level 1-6 Gymnast of the Year
National Coach of the Year
NOP Official of the Year

Please download the Award Criteria and the Nomination Form from the RG website.
Nominations are due back at Gymnastics Australia by the 28th March 2008.

GENERAL GYMNASTICS - KINDERGYMAGIC ISSUE 10
Issue no. 10 of Kindergymagic is now available for viewing from the GG web site.

GENERAL GYMNASTICS - NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2007 GG NATIONAL AWARDS
Nominations are called for the 2007 General Gymnastics Awards, including Kindergym and Cheerleading. Award categories include Coach of the Year in each program as well as Volunteer of the Year and the prestigious Lance Otto Award. Please download the award criteria and nomination form

Nominations are due back to GA by the 17th March.

GENERAL GYMNASTICS - GYMNASTICS WEEK 2008
Keep these dates in your diary - 8th to 24th August coinciding 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.

GENERAL GYMNASTICS - AOC 2008 OLYMPIC EDUCATION PROGRAM
The Australian Olympic Committee is inviting primary teachers, students and schools to wear the green and gold and support the 2008 Australian Olympic Team.

A number of educational activities have been developed to support teachers in the classroom. The activities emphasise the Olympic values, literacy and numeracy skills, the use of information and communication technologies, active lifestyles and links with the community.

1. 2008 Beijing Olympic Resource
A national primary resource containing over 60 cross-curriculum lessons themed around the Beijing Games. There is a major focus on China, exploring the language, culture, history, geography and customs as well as a focus on the Australian Olympic Team. The resource is available to download for free from www.olympics.com.au/education

2. BK Zone
A website for children aged 5 - 12 years, themed on the Boxing Kangaroo and the Olympic Games. The website features self-directed learning and an invitation to send in stories and artwork for publication on the site. Visit www.bkzone.com.au

3. Show Your Support Message Competition
Primary school students are invited to plan, develop and produce a podcast that will encourage, support and inspire our Olympians to do their very best at the Beijing Games. One per state and territory will be chosen to play to the 2008 Australian Olympic Team in Beijing. www.olympics.com.au/education

4. Village Art
Primary school students are invited to decorate the apartments in the Olympic Village of the 2008 Australian Olympic Team. www.olympics.com.au/education

5. Talk to Olympians
Primary students are able to chat to Olympians online. Students are able to post questions on a set topic and hear responses from Olympians. www.bkzone.com.au

6. Olympic Day
Primary schools are invited to join millions of students around the world and celebrate Olympic Day in June 2008. www.olympics.com.au/education

7. Twinning Schools
Primary schools are invited to link with schools in China and learn about each others cultural and social backgrounds.

ANTHONY & CAMILA DANCE THE LAMBADA
In last night's show Anthony and Camila danced together for the first time in front of the judges performing the Lambada that showcased their talent and enjoyment of dancing. When questioned by the judges both Anthony and Camila expressed how much fun they had learning and performing the routine. To find out if the viewers enjoyed their routine you will have to watch tonight's show on Channel 10 at 7.30pm to see if Anthony and Camila survive to dance again next week. Remember, your vote will help to keep them in the show.

TRAMPOLINE SPORTS - 2007 ANNUAL AWARDS
Nominations are called for the TRP Annual Awards for National Coach of the Year and National NOP Official of the Year. Please click here to view the nomination criteria. Please click here for a nomination form.

Nominations close 28th of March 2008.

GYMNASTICS - AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
Gymnastics is one of the oldest Olympic sports: It's been a part of the modern Games since 1896, and can even be linked back to the Ancient Greeks and Romans.

What's most amazing, is how much it has changed. From the Athens Olympics in 1896, when men (only) competed in events such as rope climbing and team high bar, to the Athens Olympics in 2004 that sparked a complete scoring overhaul, gymnastics has gone through quite the evolution.

Check out the photos showing the history of gymnastics.

THE SPORT AUSTRALIA HALL OF FAME IS PROUD TO BE A FOUNDING PARTNER OF THE NATIONAL SPORTS MUSEUM
The Sport Australia Hall of Fame is proud to be a Founding Partner of the National Sports Museum

Every Australian sporting champion who has been inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame (SAHOF) will be recognized at the National Sports Museum (NSM) located at the home of Australian sport, the MCG. Each of the 478 members has a presence at the NSM, with their names and sporting biographies represented across an entire wall of the museum. This "Legends Wall" also recognizes the 27 members of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame who have been elevated to Legend status.

Some of the famous SAHOF Member exhibits to see at the National Sports Museum include Sport Australia Hall of Fame Legend and Champion Athlete Herb Elliot's 1960 Rome Olympic Gold Medal, his running spikes and Australian Team Blazer; The bathers worn by "Madam Butterfly", swimming champ Susie O'Neill to win Gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics; Plus a replica of the America's Cup winning yacht Australia II, donated by SAHOF Chairman and Australia II Skipper John Bertrand.

According to John Bertrand, "The NSM is now the home of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. As a Founding Partner this marks a significant turning point and launches a new phase of our organization's development. Australians young and old can now enjoy the Sport Australia Hall of Fame and gain a first hand interactive experience. With SAHOF having been involved since the concept stage of the National Sports Museum, it is very exciting time for us."

The Sport Australia Hall of Fame represents all sports including all Olympic disciplines. Founded in 1985, it represent all the greats of Australian sport including Sir Donald Bradman, Dawn Fraser, Sir Jack Brabham, Herb Elliot, John Eales and Catherine Freeman to name a few.

"In honoring our Members achievements, The Sport Australia Hall of Fame also seeks to preserve and present their priceless sporting heritage as an inspiration to Australians everywhere. Our Membership comprises an illustrious group of Australia's most respected and celebrated champions over the past two hundred years. They are the best of the best, who through their achievements have made a significant contribution to Australia, and inspired young and old alike," said Bertrand.

The Sport Australia Hall of Fame will promote the National Sports Museum at its state based corporate lunch series held throughout May and June. These lunches celebrate the efforts of our great sporting teams through the presentation of the "Team Sport Australia Awards."

The year in sport will culminate at the Sport Australia Hall of Fame Annual Dinner and Induction Ceremony on October 8. The "Don Award" named after cricketing legend Sir Donald Bradman, who is prominently featured at the NSM, will be awarded to the athlete whose performance has most inspired the nation over the past 12 months. Five champions will also be inducted as Members with a current member being elevated to the exclusive Legend Status.

A visit to the National Sports Museum will inspire the public to enshrine a further three sporting moments into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame Moments competition will return in the weeks leading up to the Annual Dinner and Induction Ceremony. This people's choice award will again generate lively debate amongst the sporting community.

As well as recognizing current and past sporting heroes, the Sport Australia Hall of Fame strives to motivate our Australian champions of the future. In addition to funding support, the SAHOF Scholarship and Development Program have a unique mentoring opportunity utilising the expertise and experience of current members. In 2007, nine scholarships were awarded to young Australian athletes.

"Our Members act as Mentors and Heroes and are available for our scholarship holders to pass on advice and experience. They know what competing at the highest level is all about. This is a unique and important element of our scholarship program as it enables our Members to inspire our future stars. We hope that in years to come our Scholarship holders will have their own displays at the National Sports Museum, "said Bertrand.

For further information, please contact: -

Maxine Corcoran on 03 9510 2066 or mail@sahof.org.au
Brigette McGuire on 0412 257 874 or brigette@capitalcreation.com.au
Mandy Passmore on 0419 300 227 or mandy@springworldwide.com.au
Or visit the Sport Australia Hall of Fame www.sahof.com.au

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ARCHIVED NEWS
2008
Week ending 16th March 2008
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Gymnastics Australia acknowledges the ongoing financial support of the Australian Sports Commission
in the delivery of a "whole of sport" approach to gymnastic related services and benefits.