Gym Is Fun
Newcastle Herald
Tuesday August 30, 2005
WHEN most people think of gymnastics, they have visions of a difficult Olympic sport.
But this is not the case for nearly 2000 students in the Hunter Valley. When they think of gymnastics, they think of fun, exercise, developing skills and a wonderful teacher they call Nick. Nick Rendell, who grew up in Gloucester before studying as a teacher in Newcastle, is the Hunter sports co-ordinator for the Newcastle YMCA. The YMCA was originally an international association based on Christian values but now it helps all young people. It was founded in 1844, by George Williams and his friends, in London. The YMCA spread quickly to many other cities and countries throughout the world, arriving in Australia by 1851 and Newcastle in 1865.Nick teaches gymnastics at five Hunter schools each week.For the past year Nick has been teaching the children of the Hunter how to tumble, fall, cartwheel, do round-offs and enjoy themselves as they happily challenge their bodies and minds.The gymnastics project, which is offered to both private and state schools, began at the beginning of term two in 2004. St Therese's at New Lambton was one of the first schools to take up the program. Teachers at the school said they were very supportive of the children being given this opportunity to be part of the program.
© 2005 Newcastle Herald