It was disappointing news earlier this week that the 2026 Victorian Commonwealth Games have been cancelled, particularly for the aspiring athletes both in our clubs and also the broader sporting community.

The thrill of hosting the home ground games was something the Geelong community had done significant work on in the planning stages and the conversations around the legacy facility opportunities.

We are pleased that the Government has acknowledged that the legacy facilities will continue to progress and await further details on the delivery of the regional gymnastics facility within the same timeframes as the Games. This is exciting for the sport of gymnastics as the sport continues to see growth across the region and provides an opportunity to meet the growing need in the community for access to recreational and competitive pathway programs for the sport of gymnastics.

YMCA Geelong Gymnastics Clubs' strategic direction is to ensure more people have access to the physical, social and wellbeing benefits associated with the sport of gymnastics. A purpose-built regional gymnastics facility will enhance recreational programming, help to reduce waitlists in the region and to serve as a regional hub for the pathway for athletes competing in regional, state and national competitions.