Jasmin, 15, to compete in national gymnastics champs
Jasmin Nell, a Western Province rhythmic gymnast from Parow Valley, has been selected to join more than 2000 gymnasts at the Gymnastics South Africa Gym Games in Gauteng later this month.
The annual national championships take place from Friday September 29 to Saturday October 7, across three venues. The event will be live-streamed on SuperSport Schools.
“Gym Games is by far the highlight in our annual calendar. It is the dream of every gymnast to showcase their talents for all of South Africa to see. There will be fresh faces and emerging stars to watch out for this year,” says Donny Jurgens, president of Gymnastics South Africa.
Jasmin, 15, will be competing in the rhythmic gymnastics discipline at the Old Mutual Sports Hall at the University of the Witwatersrand on Tuesday October 3.
In order to make her dream of competing a reality she needs to raise R20 000 to cover flight costs, accommodation, attire and competition fees.
Jasmin is in Grade 10 at Shiloh Centre of Learning in Bellville South. She started gymnastics at the age of 12 and was intrigued by rhythmic gymnastics after being introduced to the discipline by her coach.
“It is everything I always wanted to do. There’s a bit of ballet and acrobatics and I love ballet,” says Jasmin. “Every day we learn new skills such as leaps, turns and flexibility, which we will be scored on along with our artistry and how we express ourselves when we dance.”
The Cape Olympia Rhythmic Gymnastics Club gymnast says this is her second year qualifying for Gym Games.
“I am very grateful for where I am, and if it wasn't for my coach, I wouldn't be the gymnast I am today and I wouldn't have qualified for nationals.”
Natasha Galukhina, Cape Olympia Rhythmic Gymnastics Club head coach, says the Gym Games give gymnasts a chance to learn from gymnasts from other provinces.
Carmen Nell says she is thrilled that her daughter has qualified for a second time.
“It was so overwhelming hearing your child’s name get called and chosen to represent the Western Cape. Every day we see God’s faithfulness in our lives.”
Ms Nell says she is in awe of people’s love and support for Jasmin’s fund-raising efforts thus far. She will be hosting a fund-raiser in Parow Valley on Saturday September 23.
“People can join us for an afternoon of fellowship, live music, and stand-up comedy."
For more information, contact Carmen Nell at 071 684 6308.
