The Germiston Gymnastics Club is based in Delville and opened in February, this year.
Wiseman Thwala is the founder and head coach of the club and has a history of gymnastics.
“I am an ex-gymnast and have competed up to level 10 (Senior Olympics), with my last competition being in 2003, in Namibia,” he said.
“I have been coaching gymnastics since 1997 and I have been an official Men Artistic Gymnastics (MAG) judge since 2000.
“I have always wanted a sport that is challenging and I found it in gymnastics.”
The club is affiliated to the Eastern Gauteng Gymnastics Association and South African Gymnastics Federation (SAGF).
Thwala said his love for the sport is among the reasons he founded the club.
“I love gymnastics and wanted to give others an opportunity to be involved in the sport,” he said.
“I want to keep children off the streets through this sport, as it did the same for me.
“The other crucial aim is to let people know that you can make a career of gymnastics.”
After only six months in operation, the club members have already started competing.
Among other competitions, the club was well represented at the Eastern Gauteng Championships, in Kempton Park, on July 25.
“Two of our gymnasts, Laylon Saul (11) and Jessica Silva (10), received Eastern Gauteng colours and qualified to attend the Provincial Championships, at the Matsport Centre, in Centurion, on September 9,” explained Thwala.
“Laylon and Silva excelled at the provincials and are now training to represent Gauteng at the South African Games, in Cape Town, on October 5.
“At the provincials, Laylon placed first in the vault and third overall, while Silva placed top 20.
“Although Silva didn’t get a podium position, she managed to get the required points to qualify for the South African Games.
“They did extremely well, we are very proud of our gymnasts,” said Laylon’s father, Stanton.
“I am surprised and pleased at the same time about these results because they were produced in such a short period of time.
“I am very proud to have my child train here, the environment is great and she is getting the best training.”
Thwala is not the only coach at the club; Maletsatsi Mokoena is part of the team and she is a Women Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) coach and judge.
Kenny Hlungwane is also the head coach for WAG.
“We are expecting to get more great results,” said Mokoena.
“We are working towards creating champions, the sky is the limit.”
More members are welcome to join the club.
The training times are Monday to Friday from 2pm to 6pm, but from 2pm to 4pm on Tuesdays.
“Anybody from the age of three is welcome to join the club,” said Mokoena.
“We also have fitness classes for those who might want to get fit.
“The classes are held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 6pm to 7pm.”
To join the club or for more information contact Thwala on 072 847 1456 or 011 045 1938 or email him at ggc.gymnastics@gmail.com.
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