Young gymnasts reach for new levels

HOURS of painful practice to perfect the various gymnastic apparatus and routines went into the week-long Artistic Gymnastic Training Camp held in Walvis Bay last week, which is a build-up to the African Championships as well as upcoming competitions.

This event was one of two gymnastic camps held during the school holidays to introduce the new level changes to gymnasts and coaches from around the country. A total of 63 children attended the first course held in Windhoek, followed by the second session where 57 pre-junior, junior and senior gymnasts trained in the Walvis Bay Gymnastics Hall.Much of the training was to sharpen the skills of girls who will be taking part in the African Championships as well as those chosen for the national team.The senior squad contenders are Kimberley Ann Van Zyl, Nonna Van der Merwe and Chloe Hansen of Excelsior Club in Windhoek, as well as Lynique Louw and Angelique De Klerk from the Walvis Bay Gymnastic Club.The junior national team consists of Michele Solomons and Simone van Der Hoon.Coaches representing these clubs as well as Otjiwarongo and Swakopmund were present, having undergone a challenging course and exams recently to equip them with the latest knowledge and routines set down for the new level changes.Dongina Risser of the Namibian Gymnastics Federation (NGF) who claimed her international judge’s status again, was one of the co-ordinators of the course.Swabou Insurance has provided a sponsorship to the NGF to assist with development programmes for the six disciplines of gymnastics in Namibia.A total of 63 children attended the first course held in Windhoek, followed by the second session where 57 pre-junior, junior and senior gymnasts trained in the Walvis Bay Gymnastics Hall.Much of the training was to sharpen the skills of girls who will be taking part in the African Championships as well as those chosen for the national team.The senior squad contenders are Kimberley Ann Van Zyl, Nonna Van der Merwe and Chloe Hansen of Excelsior Club in Windhoek, as well as Lynique Louw and Angelique De Klerk from the Walvis Bay Gymnastic Club.The junior national team consists of Michele Solomons and Simone van Der Hoon.Coaches representing these clubs as well as Otjiwarongo and Swakopmund were present, having undergone a challenging course and exams recently to equip them with the latest knowledge and routines set down for the new level changes.Dongina Risser of the Namibian Gymnastics Federation (NGF) who claimed her international judge’s status again, was one of the co-ordinators of the course.Swabou Insurance has provided a sponsorship to the NGF to assist with development programmes for the six disciplines of gymnastics in Namibia.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.

The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.