Dunedin (Wednesday, 23 December, 2009) – In 2010, for the first time, gymnastics will be a part of the Dunedin Masters Games and the renewed interest in the sport at Masters level has seen adults getting involved at all of the Dunedin clubs.

“None of the seven clubs in Dunedin used to offer regular classes for adults,” Gymsport Officer Southern Elise Williamson said.

“But as soon as the registrations went out for the Masters Games they all started to cater for the increased interest from adults.”

So far 17 people, men and women, have entered either the rhythmic or artistic gymnastic sections.  Ages range from 20 years (the minimum age for entry in the sport at Masters level) to 48 years.

“It has given adult gymnasts something to practise for so they are boosting club membership,” she said.

Gymnastics, although part of the Wanganui event, has not been part of the Dunedin Masters Games before because a co-ordinator had not been found for the sport.

“When Gymsport appointed Elise as Southern Officer earlier this year all of a sudden we could have the sport as part of the games,” ACC NZ Masters Games Manager Aaron Joy said.

“Were expecting more entries and possibly a group will enter from Australia as well,” Mr Joy said.

The gymnastics venue for the Masters is the Caledonian Gymnasium in Andersons Bay Road.