Cindy is flying with the Eagles
Sport is one of those things that can change lives.
It can empower people by boosting confidence and raising self-esteem.
One Benonian who understands how to use sport as a tool to develop young bodies and minds is Farrarmere resident Cindy McCall-Peat.
A familiar face in the City Times over the past decades, we caught up with McCall-Peat to find out a little more about her.
BCT: Firstly, who are you and what do you do?
CMP: I am Cindy McCall-Peat (née Hollis). I am extremely passionate about tumbling as a sport and this passion led me to establish the Eagle Tumbling Club, situated at the John Barrable Hall. I have managed it for the past 34 years.
BCT: How long have you been involved in gymnastics and tumbling in particular? What are some of your achievements in the sport?
CMP: Essentially I have been involved in the sport for 48 years. I started at the tender age of four years old. I trained extremely hard and was awarded with my Springbok colours in gymnastics and tumbling. I came second in the World Championships in Montana in 1982 and was the Sportsman of the Year for Benoni in 1982.
BCT: What makes tumbling a good sport to be involved in?
CMP: A healthy body is a healthy mind. Tumbling is a sport for children from nine months old to adult classes. It teaches children balance, co-ordination, fun, upper-body strength and gets them ready to excel in gymnastics or any other sport they choose.
BCT: Your club, Eagle Tumbling Club, caters to all ages and even children with disabilities. Tell us a little bit more about this.
CMP: The Eagle Tumbling Club has a special-needs group which caters for all disabled children from autistic children to children in wheelchairs, on calipers, as well as Down Syndrome children. The late Nathan Miles was a disabled pupil at the Eagle Tumbling Club for 17 years.
BCT: Why should parents who might have children with disabilities/special needs consider taking up tumbling?
CMP: Disabled children are treated equally and will be accepted by all the gym’s children and coaches. Lessons are one-on-one where the child will benefit from individual focused attention in order to improve their skills and build their self-confidence. The tumbling lesson is a good fun exercising session where muscles are worked to perform the movements they can do.
BCT: When did you start Eagle Tumbling Club and how has the journey been to date?
CMP: I started the Eagle Tumbling Club in 1982. I saw a gap in the market as there were no other facilities for gymnastics in Benoni at the time. It has been the most amazing journey and I love every minute of every day. After 34 years my passion for the sport is still alive and thriving!
BCT: In your opinion, what makes a true Benonian?
CMP: A true Benonian is a person who was born in Benoni and supports all Benoni organisations in order to uplift our community.
BCT: Besides running the club, what other things and activities do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
CMP: I enjoy taking my three Scotty dogs for long walks, wildlife holidays as well as relaxing breaks in Mozambique.
BCT: The Benoni City Times wants to learn how to do a back handspring. What advice would you give us?
CMP: Don’t try this at home! Come visit the Eagle Tumbling Club adult class for some fun.
