Australian Masters Games: Take 3!

I am a person with autism, which has impacted immensely on my life, including to gain or maintain any form of employment and personal relationships. I use gymnastics to keep moving, to develop coordination (including hand-eye coordination after going blind in one eye later in life), emotional regulation, and to get out of the house.

I am training in Men's Artistic Gymnastics (MAG) in southern Tasmania at the only club in the state that will take me on as a competitive adult at my level in MAG. I am aiming to grade Level 7 or 8 in the Australian Levels Program (ALP) as set out by Gymnastics Australia, where Level 7 is the minimum grade a person over the age of 18 can grade. The only opportunity to grade and compete at this ALP level in Tasmania for MAG as an adult is at the State competition. The other option is to compete at Masters events.

While I chip away at my training, I want to compete in Masters gymnastics. There are currently no opportunities in Tasmania to compete in gymnastics as a Masters gymnast in all the gymsports. The last opportunity was in 2022 and before that was a very large gap. The only opportunities are on the mainland. This is difficult for any person, especially one with autism who has limited income and funds available, to do so - besides rent, gymnastics is my biggest expense as it is.

I am seeking financial assistance through donations to help cover costs to go to the Australian Masters Games. It would be my first time there and it could be my last chance - depending how my body goes over the coming years, I am 44 after all. I have already got a sponsor for accomodation, and food and transfers are a typical daily living expense. I am seeking help towards flights and entry fees, that is all.

Third time is a charm!

After Covid-19 cancelling the gymnastics for the 2021 games, then undergoing an ACL reconstruction during the 2023 games, I have entered myself in the 'Advance' Master division for Men's Artistic Gymnastics for the 2025 Australian Masters Games on Sunday the 19th of October in Canberra.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!!!

Photos of me training:

Developing a back-lever on rings

Developing the top half of a giant for the horizontal bar

Working a drill to cast to handstand on the horizontal bar