INCLUSION
At Ballarat Gymsports we are always looking for ways to involve everyone in some form of activity, this is why we are proud in continuing to be a Gymnastics Victoria Inclusive Leader Club.
Gymsports coaches work alongside specialists within the disability carer sector and continue to receive specialist training through industry specific workshops, the team are always looking for the next challenge to arrive, with a smile of course.
During 2016 our ‘Fuzzy Gym” program was a finalist in the 2016 Gymnastics Victoria Inclusive Initiative of the Year, plus in 2017 our participants and coaches featured in the Inclusive series video about Visually Impaired gymnasts.
During 2019, Ballarat Gymsports achieved even higher milestones by becoming the Special Olympics Ballarat – Gymnastics program centre and are represented on the local SOA committee assisting to guide other sports. Whilst we are currently not a registered NDIS provider, our services can be claimed back if you are a “Self Managed” recipient, just let us know and we will work with you.
At Ballarat Gymsports we are honoured to work alongside some amazing organisations…
OUR PROGRAMS
STAR BOUND RECREATIONAL
In 2023, Ballarat Gymsports has expanded it’s offerings and introduced a pathway 
for all participants within our inclusive programs being offered. Star Bound not only introduces new activities but also allow participants to go to the next level of participation by enabling them to compete in events under specially designed categories.
Our Star Bound program aims to build strength and inner confidence to foster happy, empowered participants regardless of physical or mental restrictions.
Through our Star Bound activities… anything is possible!
Through Star Bound activities the participants develop emotional self-awareness, gain executive functioning skills and practice social communication.
Star Bound Recreational is… Therapeutic… Recreational… Social Play
Sessions are designed for children, teenagers and adults who may be living with Autism, Vision Impairment, an Intellectual Disability, Physical Disability or something else that prevents them from joining a main stream program.
Our class size is kept to a low ratio, so we do ask that participants book in to the session.
In 2020 Ballarat Gymsports was asked and is still to today a voice championing and representing sporting persons with a disability and their families on the Local Area NDIS Ballarat Working Group.
We are very excited that in 2023, to be offering our STAR BOUND SO program where our participants will have the opportunity to participate in special categories within the Gymnastics Victoria and Special Olympics programs of events.
2023 SESSION INFORMATION
FUZZY GYM
At Ballarat Gymsports we have the only gymnastics program that caters for participants with a vision impairment. Fuzzy Gym allows participants with low vision to no vision at all, the thrill of experiencing tumbling, bouncing, swinging and so much more.
Our program has been so successful that it has resulted in nominations for inclusive awards and being a major participant in Gymnastics Victoria’s Blind Sports promotional video.
Our class size is kept to a low ratio, so we do ask that participants book in to the session.
We are very excited that in 2023, to be offering our FUZZY GYM participants the opportunity to participate in special categories within the Gymnastics Victoria programs of events.
2023 SESSION INFORMATION
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Ballarat Gymsports is the Special Olympics centre for both Artistic and Rhythmic sports of Gymnastics events here in Ballarat. Staff have been specially selected and trained to understand the differing needs of athletes wishing to compete at local, state and national levels.
If these sessions interest you, please contact the reception for further details.
FITTER FOR LIFE
The Fitter for Life program is a fun and social opportunity that aims to help improve in the over 50’s age bracket… mobility, strength and coordination; the activities in the program can be catered and tailored to your varying levels of ability or mobility.
The skills developed in the Fitter for Life program are used for common activities, such as:
– Walking up and down a flight of stairs;
– Hanging out the washing;
– Bending down or reaching up into cupboards; and
– Playing with grandchildren.
The Fitter for Life program is running across various states in Australia and supported here at Ballarat Gymsports by Gymnastics Victoria and is likely to suit the needs of those interested in:
– Becoming more physically active;
– Meeting new people in a local and social environment; or
– Improving your mobility in other sports and daily activities.
Several of Ballarat Gymsports coaches have attended specialised training workshops in order to introduce this program to the “older generation of movers” here in Ballarat.
The program here at Gymsports is casual based also making it easier for participants to fit in with their many other activities.
2023 SESSION INFORMATION
Our 2023 Classes are currently being finalised and will return very shortly for all or amazing people! Stay tuned…