Programme continuing next year

READY TO BOUNCE: Gisborne Trampoline Club coach Doug Callahan with Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Nga Uri a Maui students taking part in a programme of certification with the club. The students are, back (from left): Kelso Curtis-Thomas, Manawa Kerekere, Khorshyious Nepe, Te Oranga Hape, Rauru Bristowe, Amaani Harvey-Winikerei, Merekahu Matahiki, Hinewhakaarorangi Pewhairangi, Aislynn Mahi-Richard, Hinetapora Kaiwai, Tristan Atkins-Satele and Darryl Nepe. Middle: Tihirau Reid-Campbell, Rawiri Karaka, Tenzing McKinnon, Bronx Morice-Munro, Tuterangiharuru Te Kani-Love, Darton Reihana, Brae Birch-Tuapawa, Kauri Hart-Davies, Javahn Michelle-Ruru, Rylan Matiaha and Maia Brooking. Front: Sarai Pere, Seedah Hautapu, Charleigh Karauria, Mini Campbell, Doug Callahan (instructor), Bayleigh Tuhaka, Maddison Harvey-Winikerei, Karly-Jewel Gordon and Tu Maea Madden-Tuhura. Picture by Rebecca Grunwell

A successful programme between Gisborne Trampoline Club and Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Nga Uri a Maui will continue next year.

The school has around 120 children going through certifications with the club.

The eight levels start with the red badge and progress through blue, green, yellow, purple, black, orange and brown. Eight students, including a nine-year-old boy, are at orange-badge level. Students move from basic trampolining skills to memorising a routine and end up performing moves that include front, back and twisting somersaults.

Club coach Doug Callahan said the programme gave children a good foundation in body awareness and balance.

“You have to think fast and be quick on your toes about what the next skill is.”

He said it had been rewarding to watch the children's determination to earn their next badge.

Kaiako hakinakina (sports teacher) Tessa Wilson said over 210 pupils from the kura — including secondary school students — had gone through the programme this year.

“They love it,” she said.

“The look on their faces when they finally land their front somersault is priceless.”

The programme had a flow-on effect, she said. Some students took up club trampolining, many attended social sessions and others asked for a trampoline at home.

“We are grateful that during these times of constant cancellations and lack of sporting opportunities we have been able to enjoy this sport all in the safety of our kura bubble.”