Revised AGF plan may allow WA female gymnasts to stay in Perth
10/5/96 The Australian Gymnastics Federation has revised its national women's plan in a manner that is likely to allow Western Australian female gymnasts to stay in Perth.
10/5/96
The Australian Gymnastics Federation has revised its national women's plan in a manner that is likely to allow Western Australian female gymnasts to stay in Perth.
Sport and Recreation Minister Norman Moore said the new plan accepted that WA gymnasts could train here and still be eligible for national selection.
"It also states that gymnasts who stay in Perth will not suffer any funding cuts and that the WA Institute of Sport (WAIS) program will receive due recognition as a national training facility," Mr Moore said.
"I am delighted that the AGF has seen the value in the WA argument and we have been able to make real and positive progress on this issue which affects many of the State's potential Olympians.
"Not having to have our female gymnasts relocate or forego funding losses is a great win for WA and is nationally significant as it sends out a clear message that we will fight for our rights.
"Our gymnasts will now be able to pursue their athletic dreams without having to make the major sacrifice of leaving their families behind."
Mr Moore congratulated all those involved, especially Federal Sports Minister Warwick Smith, in bringing the issue closer to an end and thanked them for their support.
"I will now hold discussions with WAIS about the resumption of their gymnastics program and look at some long-term planning," he said.
"Meanwhile, WAIS will be consulting with parents and the WA Gymnastics Association over the next few days to ensure they are satisfied with the changes before accepting the revised national plan.
"I am still awaiting news regarding the mens program and I am working and hoping for a similar result to that achieved for the women."
Under the AGF's original plan, young gymnasts who wanted to represent Australia would have had to train at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra. The national coach would have determined who would train at the Australian Institute of Sport and for what period of time
Mr Moore first wrote to his Federal counterpart in March last year in an effort to resolve the issue.
Media contact: Anabel Gomez 321 1444
