JGC gets sanitising tunnel, asks for more donations
NEWLANDS - Johannesburg Gymnastics Centre is three-quarters of the way to reaching its donations target to keep its door open.
Johannesburg Gymnastics Centre is three-quarters of the way to reaching its donations target to keep its door open.
But donations have slowed down of late and the Newlands-based venue has again asked for help.”We are hoping that we can re-open soon even if it is with reduced numbers,” said head coach, Ilse Pelser.
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“Our gym has been sanitised and we are ready to open safely, without contributing to the spread of the virus.”
The centre asked the community to sponsor gymnasts, or anyone, to do handstands to raise funds and keep the centre running. The handstand challenge campaign is on the backabuddy website, and as of 25 May it has raised just over R76 000 towards its target of R100 000.
“Our club has been fortunate to have a sanitising tunnel sponsored to us and our social distancing markers have been laid so that we will not be within 2m of each other. We have hand sanitising stations all around our gym and for the initial phase, gymnasts will not be spotted as they will only be doing basic elements for the first few weeks.”
The centre’s Caitlin Rooskrantz, who qualified for the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympics will continue her training, along an adjusted plan and precautions.
“We believe that gymnastics aids health and we hope that our sport can actually be used in the fight against Covid-19. We want to be part of the solution for our country and we believe by adhering to strict measures, we can do so, come lockdown level three.”
Johannesburg Gymnastic Centre was first registered as a non-profit company in 2004 by Pelser, a former Protea gymnast. It now serves over 350 members and has produced almost 30 Protea gymnasts over the years.
The centre employs 20 coaches and offers gymnastics training from recreational to Olympic level. The majority of the current women’s national team trains at the centre.
“We want nothing more than to be able to open our doors again and are pleading with anyone who can help us in these trying times to please get in touch with me on 083 634 6164.”
Pelser concluded by thanking the community for their support.
