A talented teenage trio of acrobats from the Far South Coast are heading to Brisbane this week to represent NSW in the Australian Gymnastic Championships.
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From trials, to state and now national championships, the determination of the three teenagers has been remarkable, and the community has rallied behind them to show their support.
Ashley Sher aged 16 of Millingandi, Monique Gibbons aged 15 of Tura Beach and Brooke Chester aged 13 of Broadwater have shown dedication and passion for their sport, training six days a week at Eden Area Gymnastic Centre.
Co-owner of the centre and mother of Brooke, Janine Chester said the trio are feeling enthusiastic and have two training sessions left until they compete against the top acrobats across the country this week.
"Ashley recently had a setback with a wrist injury, so the girls have been focusing a lot on dance and doing minimal skills, but they are back on track now and ready as they'll ever be," Janine said.
"Volunteer dance teacher Derryn Tinns came in and really made them shine, she has been amazing and has given them such spark and confidence."
The cost of competing was looking prohibitive, but a successful crowdfunding campaign along with the support of Rotary Merimbula, OzSport, Imagine Eden and a number of local business, has helped facilitate the teenagers trip to compete.
"It's up to them as a trio to perform their very best, it's such an achievement whatever happens," Janine said.