Support announced for the Armidale Gymnastics Club to host this week’s Gymnastics NSW Country Championships, back row, left, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Armidale Gymnastics Treasurer Stella Single, Facility Manager Wally O’Hara and Committee members Carol O’Hara and Rebecca O’Hara. Front, gymnasts Olive Gill, left, Gilli Ziv, Lola Kristensen, Hollie Manning, Aayla Harper and Isabella Edwards.
Wednesday, 6 July 2022
NEW competition standard digital equipment is recording the scores of hundreds of the State’s best junior gymnasts at this week’s NSW Country Championships in Armidale, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall landing a $17,074 State Government grant for the IT system.
Mr Marshall said the technology would ensure the New England Movement and Adventure Centre (NEMAC) was always ‘competition-ready’.
“While this new technology will benefit this week’s NSW Country Championships, long-term it will support Armidale City Gymnastic Club’s efforts to secure other large competition, coaching and judging clinics to Armidale,” Mr Marshall said.
“An IT hardwire system has been installed which enables the judging panels to input scores directly from the judging table to the central score computer.
“This network will facilitate the input from 10 separate judging panels, being the men’s and women’s panels. In addition, it will manage new display boards for scores and public information.
“A new music and announcement system has also been added into the new section of the gym and is linked to the existing hearing loops for hearing-impaired visitors.
“A portion of the funds has also assisted with the cost of hiring staged seating, specifically for the duration of the championships.
“The Country Championships are expected to inject $3million into Armidale’s economy, which is huge considering it’s the middle of winter.”
Armidale City Gymnastics Club President Chris Stace said the medium-term goal of the volunteer run organisation is to regularly host State and Interstate gymnastics competition events.
“We know the potential gymnastics has in becoming a significant economic driver for our fabulous local economy,” Mr Stace said.
“This funding will help us establish the digital infrastructure which enables us to support judges, stream social media, and publish competitor scores in near real-time for the spectators.
“These additions help to ensure the club’s long-term sustainability and we thank Adam and the State Government for their enthusiastic support.”