Gymnastics Queensland to close High Performance Centre at Sleeman Sports Complex
The Queensland gymnastics community has been left saddened and shocked after a decision was made on the state’s high performance centre, a decade out from the 2032 Olympics.
Southeast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Southeast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Queensland gymnastics community is in “shock” after its governing body announced it will close the state’s high performance centre in January.
Gymnastics Queensland shocked members with the controversial decision on the centre, at Chandler’s Sleeman Sports Complex, where elite gymnasts have moulded their skills over more than 10 years.
The closure was speculated to be because of funding cuts for gymnastics from the Queensland Academy of Sport.
However, it is believed there will be no cuts from QAS next year while a review is being conducted into funding beyond that time.
“Last week, Gymnastics Queensland (GQ) announced the closure of the high performance centre based at the Sleeman Sports Complex in Brisbane,” Gymnastics Queensland CEO, Chris Rushton, said.
“Further talks between the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) and GQ have confirmed that additional funding for the program will be provided in the short term to ensure a successful transition for all athletes and coaches impacted.”
A Queensland Academy of Sport spokesman said the high performance centre was operated and managed by Gymnastics Queensland.
“The Queensland Academy of Sport has traditionally provided a contribution to Gymnastics Queensland and that high performance funding is guaranteed for the next 12 months,” the spokesman said.
“QAS investments will continue to be directed towards Queensland’s most talented athletes on a medal trajectory towards Paris 2024 and LA 2028.”
Brett Wood has started a petition to Queensland Sports Minister Stirling Hinchliffe opposing the closure. It now has almost 4000 signatures.
“I have been a member of the gymnastics community for over 25 years,” he said on the petition.
“Gymnastics Queensland has decided to close the doors to the HPC as it deems the program as no longer viable.
“This has come as a complete shock to both the male and female gymnasts from the junior levels through to senior international athletes that have represented Australia at Olympic, World and Commonwealth level.
“Not only will the athletes need to find a new place to train, the coaches will as well.
“They have an amazing team of coaches that are great at their job and are equally as devastated as the athletes.
“These athletes train hard during the unknown of Covid, many were crowned national champions in 2021 and now their dreams are shattered.
“We just want the QAS and Gymnastics Queensland to reconsider funding and continue this amazing program.
“To think Queensland the host state of the 2032 Olympics not having a state training centre for its top athletes. They deserve better than this.”
‘Deputy dog Miles will have to take the hit’: Early voting surprise
Voters in two southeast Queensland state electorates have surprised polling station workers, as many expressed scepticism over Labor’s election promises. VOTER VIDEO
From courtroom to cabaret: Logan lawyer takes to stage as Billy Joel
By day he’s a mild-mannered lawyer but next week, Logan’s William Boyd will take the cabaret world by storm as piano man Billy Joel in a Footlight Theatre’s latest production.