Calisthenics
27 August, 2024
Horsham Hosts Successful 42nd Annual Country Calisthenics Competition
Horsham was abuzz with excitement over the weekend as it played host to the 42nd Annual Country Calisthenics Competition, organised by the Horsham Calisthenics College. Held at the Town Hall from Friday to Sunday, the event attracted nearly 1,000 competitors, along with family and friends from various regions, including Ballarat, Echuca, Bendigo, Mount Gambier, Warrnambool, Naracoorte, and Portland.
The competition kicked off on Friday with solo performances from participants aged 8 to 18. Horsham’s soloists delivered impressive performances, with Ella Bailey securing first place in the 12-year-old calisthenic solo section. Lilly Nuske earned first place in the 13-year-old graceful section, while Tirana Durmush received an Honourable Mention in the 14-year-old graceful section, and Bonnie Grieger took first place in the same category.
Saturday morning featured performances from 10 Sub-junior teams. Horsham’s team showed significant improvement, earning Highly Commended in the March, Rods, and Aesthetic routines, an Honourable Mention for Song and Dance, and 3rd Place for Freearm. Coaches Lauren Dempsey and Caitlin Devlin expressed their pride in the team’s progress, noting the supportive spirit among the young competitors. "The girls have improved so much from their last competition, and I couldn’t be more proud of their performances," said Lauren. Caitlin added, "It’s so good to see this in the younger teams."
The youngest members of the Horsham Calisthenics Club, the Tinies, made their debut on Saturday, charming the audience with their Rods, Freearm, Aesthetics, and Song and Action routines. Coach Erin Witmitz praised the Tinies, aged 4 to 7, for their fearless and fun-filled performances. "I am so proud of how much they have learned in such a short space of time," Erin remarked.
Saturday afternoon saw the Intermediates take the stage, with Horsham achieving 3rd place for Rods, 2nd place for both March and Freearm, and 1st place for Clubs, Aesthetic, and Dance arrangements. These results earned them the Runner-Up position in their section, with Loch Ard Calisthenic Club claiming the Aggregate Winners title. Coaches Maddison Cook and Dianne Walter were thrilled with the team’s hard work and progress. “ They have worked really hard over the last couple of months as a team and the results definitely demonstrated that” Dianne reported.
On Sunday, the Junior teams competed with Horsham securing the Aggregate Winners title by achieving 3rd place for Review, 2nd Place for Rods and Freearm, and 1st place for March, Clubs, and Aesthetic routines. The competition concluded with the Senior teams, where Horsham’s seniors placed 3rd in March, Rods, Freearm, and Aesthetics, 2nd in Clubs, and 1st in Dance Arrangement.
Kylie Hermans, Horsham’s head coach and coach of the Juniors and Seniors, highlighted the extensive planning and volunteer support that made the event a success. “The planning of such a huge event like this begins in February. We are lucky to have the support of our volunteers to help make this weekend run smoothly," Kylie said. She praised all five Horsham teams, especially the Tinies, who were the highlight of the weekend. "This competition could not run without the dedication of our competition committee, volunteers, and the assistance of the Horsham Town Hall staff," she added, expressing gratitude to all who contributed to the event's success.
The 42nd Annual Country Calisthenics Competition in Horsham was a celebration of talent, teamwork, and community spirit, leaving participants and spectators alike looking forward to next year’s event.