Local gymnast Briar Limpus is the latest recipient of the Wanganui Boys and Girls Gym Club Ollerup scholarship for 2016.
The Ollerup gymnastics academy is a world-renowned facility in Denmark where attendees learn all forms of gymnastics with opportunities to perform and compete in Denmark and Northern Europe, where performance and
group gymnastics is very popular. Students also learn sports science, coaching techniques and can participate in a variety of other sports, from handball to tree climbing.
The scholarship is unique to the Wanganui Boys and Girls Gym Club and is awarded to a deserving club member aged between 18 and 30 who displays the right attributes and passion towards the sport of gymnastics and the club. Coaches who have attended the academy provide the club with new, fresh ideas, coaching techniques and invaluable experience that benefits our gymnasts and their learning.
"We've had lots of people from the school come to Wanganui and they have inspired me to want to go there, and I've heard it's a really good place," Briar says.
Their visits are a consequence of Danish ex-pats Jens and Karen Bukholt's involvement in the Boys and Girls Gym Club.
Being a former competitive trampoline and recreational gymnast, Briar joined the club gymnastics classes at the age of eight. She started competitive trampoline when she was 11 years old, competed at Nationals in 2011 in the 13-14 age group and Nationals in 2013 in the 15-16 age group. Briar, 18, also competes at short track tumbling. She has been coaching since 2011 and coaches pre-competitive trampoline.
"I will miss all the young gymnasts at the club. Seeing them improve and achieve is very rewarding," says Briar. Briar has worked in different roles for the club and says she is looking forward to learning new skills and meeting new people. She has never left New Zealand before and is ready to go.
Briar will start at Ollerup in August, joined by about 30 other international students from all over the world and more than 100 Danish students. The students will attend two semesters at the academy, finishing in June 2017. "I am really grateful to be given this opportunity," says Briar.
She is leaving a little early to fit in a three-week break in Sheffield, UK before heading to Denmark.
The school has boarding facilities and Briar will also be learning Danish. She will be part of an international contingent.
"I'm nervous, but super excited," she says.
