Event proof sport back on the up in city

TRAMPOLINING is making a comeback and not just in the backyard, former paralympic swimmer Jenny Newstead says.

Newstead was appointed head coach of the Dunedin Gymnastics Academy trampoline and tumbling programme two years ago. She has basically built the programme from scratch and now has 86 trampoliners.

Tomorrow the city would stage its first tournament — other than masters events — in more than 20 years, she said.

The sport appeals to some children who want to do the tricks they have seen on the internet, and to their parents who want to keep them safe.

‘‘We don’t have to make trampolining fun because it is fun but we just have to make it safe.

‘‘A lot of parents put them into programmes because of that and now I’ve got 26 competitive trampoliners from age 5 to my top athlete who is 15.’’

The Otago Trampoline Invitational is being staged at the Caledonian Gymnasium tomorrow and has attracted 44 competitors. It will serve as an ideal dress rehearsal for the nationals in Tauranga in October.

The Dunedin Gymnastic Academy has selected four trampoliners and tumblers to represent Otago at the nationals.

The promising Corentin Manti (15) will contest the junior international grade trampoline and synchronised trampoline events and also the double mini trampoline.

He will be joined by Jess Ablett, Nicola Cox and Sam Hyde.

Ablett will contest the 1516 girls’ power tumbling and has been training despite the gym lacking the equipment required for her discipline.

Cox is entered in the 1314 girls’ trampoline and double mini trampoline, and Hyde will compete in the 1112 boys’ trampoline, double mini trampoline, and synchronised trampoline events.