By Orlander Ruming
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Less than 40 per cent of New South Wales children at a grade 4 level can master basic motor skills, according to new research by the Audit Office of New South Wales.
The information has prompted the Gymnastics NSW state sporting Association’s “Start Here, Go Anywhere” campaign, which is encouraging children to learn gymnastics as a way to develop key motor skills.
Gymnastics NSW Marketing Manager Nicholas Carroll said it is alarming to think the large majority of NSW’s year four students are unable to master basic skills such as jumping, catching, kicking and throwing.
“We want parents to know that these basic movement skills can be developed from a very young age which helps lead children to live a healthy and active lifestyle in the long term,” said Mr Carroll.
Coach, judge and co-ordinator at Mudgee Gymnastics, Sacha Etherington, said gymnastics was a fantastic sport for developing motor and other skills, which aid in numerous areas of development.
Ms Etherington, who has been doing gymnastics all her life, opened Mudgee Gymnastics in 2011. The club has classes open to boys and girls starting at two years of age, continuing until the end of the school years.
Ms Etherington said parents are becoming busier, and focus is shifting to computers and online games, resulting in children spending more time sitting rather than getting actively involved outdoors.
Since opening Mudgee Gymnastics, the number of registered members has risen to almost one hundred, but Ms Etherington said parents still need to be educated about physical activity, and the options their children have available.
“I think we just need to get the word out there. Parents want for their children to have those basic skills like to run and jump.” Ms Etherington said.
At Mudgee Gymnastics the kinder and general gym classes use props, such as balls and hoops, which also aid in the development of hand-eye coordination.
“They don’t have to enter competitions or train for the Olympics. That one hour a week could be enough to develop those skills.”
However, Ms Etherington said gymnastics provides more than just physical benefits.
“Gymnastics is such a mental sport. You’re developing focus and determination as well as time management and all of those other aspects that aid with school work and homework.”
“I think if you can learn those skills early on you’re much better off in all aspects of life,” Ms Etherington said.
Information on classes and signing up for gymnastics can be found at the Mudgee Gymnastics website www.gymisfun.com.