Making the Most of the Olympics

Anna Robertsone-News, Midlands, Regional

The OlymNZ Gymnastics Team Rio 2016pic Games are here and it’s hard not to get excited – especially being able to see our own New Zealand gymnasts (artistic and trampoline) on our tvs.

What are you doing as a club to harness this excitement? Are you having any Olympic themed events in your club? This is a great time to really tap into the Olympic fever and drive awareness and participation in our sports.

The Olympics always result in a surge of interest from young people. With our biggest gymnastics team since 1954, many clubs will experience increased interest from potential new members. This is an awesome opportunity for clubs but only if you are prepared…

  • Make sure you are well aware of what spaces you have in your classes.
  • Think about running a couple of special taster sessions so that kids can give the sport a go. You can then direct them to drop-in sessions or structured classes (as is appropriate).
  • Up your advertising – get your name out into the community through social media so that people know where to look. Read some tips on how this can be done.
  • Waiting lists aren’t ideal but are better than simply turning people away if your current classes are full.

Citius – Altius – Fortius – Faster – Higher – Stronger

Or perhaps the three values of Olympism; excellence, friendship and respect, resonate better. They constitute the foundation on which the Olympic Movement builds its activities to promote sport, culture and education with a view to building a better world.