UWA will partner with Gymnastics WA to keep children moving through new program

The KIDDO program, run by the University of Western Australia (UWA), has partnered with Gymnastics WA to prioritise children moving in healthy and fun ways from the early years through the Gym Warriors program.

 

With the support of Healthway funding, Gymnastics WA will become a KIDDO Delivery Partner for 2021 – 2023, assisting with the implementation of Gym Warriors, a fundamental movement program in ECEC services, through Gymnastics WA’s skilled workforce of affiliated clubs and accredited coaches.

 

Gymnastics WA will establish positive relationships between ECEC services and local community sport whilst also providing direct pathways for children to continue their participation in physical activity.

 

KIDDO Program Manager, Amanda Derbyshire said the KIDDO program was excited to be partnering with Gymnastics WA to provide access to evidence-based physical literacy programs, resources and training for their coaches. 

 

“KIDDO has been developed based on the latest research and focuses on building the capacity of coaches, educators and parents to provide programs that develop the physical literacy of young children,” Ms Derbyshire said, welcoming the partnership for the role it will play in providing the opportunity for more young children across WA to develop the skills and confidence to set them up for a healthy, active lifestyle.

 

Gymnastics WA’s Executive Director, Emily Randall said the organisation was privileged to partner with UWA’s KIDDO program for the next two years. 

 

“Delivering fundamental movement skills to all children in WA through our Gym Warriors program is a key priority of Gymnastics WA, and to have the backing from research conducted at The University of Western Australia is vital to ensuring our children are developing to be the best version of themselves,” Ms Randall said.

 

Gymnastics WA will partner with KIDDO in the implementation and delivery to ECEC sites requiring program support from external coaching providers and will deliver twenty pilot KIDDO ECEC programs across a two-year period, connecting local affiliated gymnastics clubs and accredited coaches to their nearest ECEC to deliver the KIDDO program as well as upskilling educators. 

 

Gymnastics WA will also provide pathways for children and parents/guardians to continue physical activity through gymnastics at the local affiliated club.

 

The Healthway funding received for the 2021 – 2023 KIDDO project will assist Gymnastics WA to collaborate with KIDDO to deliver to 10 ECEC services per year, engaging at least 500 children, and upskill 150 WA accredited coaches to complete the KIDDO Certificate of Physical Literacy.

 

Healthway’s Director of Health Promotion, Julia Knapton, said it was exciting to see two organisations unite through Healthway’s partnership program.

 

“For almost 30 years Healthway has partnered with Gymnastics WA, and currently funds the KIDDO program to encourage physical activity and the development of movement skills in young children,” Ms Knapton said.

 

“So to see this collaboration is a wonderful example of Healthway’s commitment to supporting research that aligns to the needs of other Healthway partners and the community.”