Calisthenics

Ms BEDFORD (Florey) (17:07): COVID has meant it has been quite a while since I have been able to report to the house on perhaps one of the most unsung mass participation sports, particularly for girls, and one for which South Australia has a magnificent tradition and record, and that is calisthenics.

A highlight of each calisthenics year is the graceful comps, known for many years as the graceful girl solos. So much work goes into the presentation of participants: years of training with family support, amazing coaches who create sensational routines to music, with IT supporting with great lighting and visuals to complete the picture, breathtaking costumes sewn by diligent mums—I do not think there are many dads who sew sequins—backstage crew who make it all happen, and of course the adjudicators and writers who have the toughest job of all. One of the writers this year was our own Jane Johnston, who is at the Davenport EO.

Add to this the CASA committee and volunteers who make the Royalty Theatre, home to calisthenics in this state, a fitting venue for such a prestigious competition—well, almost fitting, as my thoughts on the Royalty Theatre are well known and on record. I ask again that the Premier and also the Leader of the Opposition in the run-up to the election in 2022 remember that all girls' sports need better change rooms and facilities, not just girls playing in the major sports of soccer, AFL and cricket.

Digressing a little further, I must add that, if Her Majesty's Theatre is now rightly the jewel of Adelaide's theatre life, then the middle-sized theatres like Royalty must also be given attention so the vibrant arts community in South Australia can continue to thrive and present wonderful Festival and Fringe programs. The Royalty is used by calisthenics clubs all over the state nearly all year long, and this year hosted graceful solos between 17 April and 1 May.

As a proud CASA life member and patron, I attended two afternoon sessions on Saturday 1 May. The competition was excellent, and I would like to put on record the names of the winners, while recognising the wonderful performance of each and every girl who participated in the sections.

The Intermediate 14/15 year champion final saw a highly commended to Ayanna Burgan-Minniecon from the Marden club, coached by Rachel Burgan. An honourable mention went to Alyssa Millard from the Reynella Braeview club, coached by Natalie Fleming, third was Ava Arnold and second was Jessie Benwell, both from Marden and both coached by Kristin McFarlane. The winner of that section and the Debbie White Memorial Trophy was Chloe Chandler from Burnside, who was coached by Rebecca Norsworthy.

I also watched the Intermediate 16/17 years final. Highly commended was Jaslyn Walter from the Marden club, coached by Angela Eagleton. An honourable mention went to Charli Horn from one of my local clubs, Athelstone Valley View, coached by cali legend Lisa Vettese. I can only say that her work has been amazing for years. Third place went to Mackenzie van de Water from Innovation Club, coached by Kate Loveridge, and second was Bella Faulkner from the Reynella Braeview club, coached by Toni-Louise Barnes and Melissa and Lisa Barnes Daysh.

I must mention their mum, the late Bev Daysh, a great cali stalwart and friend. Her trophy, the Bev Daysh Memorial Trophy, was for the subjunior final for 10-year-old girls. The winner of the 16/17 years section and my Frances Bedford Perpetual Trophy was Erin Domingo from the Marden club, coached by Kristin McFarlane.

During the afternoon, there was a break between sessions and Australian Calisthenics Federation president, Liz Kratzel, made sure she was in town to present the 2020 Volunteer of the Year Award, which was held over until now due to COVID. The more than worthy winner was Adelaide's own John Maguire. Apart from being a former CASA president for four years, on committee for many other years and a proud cali dad for more than 20 years, John's Men in Black are the backstage crew for Australian Calisthenics Federation nationals and made that important job seamless, meaning all the important props have been in position for each and every item on the program for years. John's humility and service to calisthenics is something we are all truly grateful for.

In the last minute, I would like to name the winners of the 18 years and over champion final. Third place was Sophie Hamden from Marden, coached by Kristin McFarlane; second was Emily Gray from Athelstone Valley View, coached by Carmel Margaritis; and first was Elyse Pavan from the Marden club, coached by Melissa Lydyard.

An honourable mention in that section went to a Ridgehaven cali girl Brittiny Emes, coached by Anita Greco, Lisa Savaris and Tracey Emes, her mum. Tracey's husband, Darren, was president of calisthenics for many years. They have been great CASA people and friends to me and indeed calisthenics girls in the state. I commend everyone involved with CASA and urge all members to get involved with their local clubs whenever they are able.