Club Milestones

Like many Gymnastics clubs in Auckland, Waitakere Gymnastics has been formed over many years through clubs joining together to pool their resources. Here are some fantastic club milestones over the years.

1956	Lynrey Gymnastics Club becomes an Incorporated Society First club President Mr Les le Rey
1956	Mr Les Le Rey formed the club in 1956 and classes were held in the old R.S.A. building. Initially a boys' club, it soon developed and catered for girls as well.
1960's	In the early years only recreational gymnastics were taught and it was during the 1960s that competitive gym began. Around this time, the club moved to the Lyndale Athletic and Harrier Club Hall in Portage Road. Meetings were held twice a week and club rolls soon became full.
1970's	Competitive gymnastics were also bringing their share of reward for the club but it wasn't until the late 1960s and early 70s that a strong committee gave competitive gymnastics a major push. With more hours available for training and better equipment, the club began to make its mark in competition.
1974	By 1974, Lynrey had 250 members and for the first time, won the shleld for the top female gym club in the Auckland Association. It also came fourth in the male competition.
1977	The shield stayed in the Lynrey trophy cabinet for three years, and in 1977 the club added the shield for the top club in the Male Competition. By now the club had 420 members.
1978	By 1978, across all gym activity including rhythmics, the club had 19 members representing Auckland in various grades. Before long New Zealand titles were won by Lynrey gymnasts and many members competed overseas, visiting such countries as Australia, Canada, USA, USSR, West Germany, France, UK and Singapore.
1985	In 1985 the club had several members representing New Zealand in international competition with more waiting in the wings.
1985	1985 saw the birth of a vision and fundraising commenced for a new Gymnasium to be located in Olympic Park, New Lynn.
1988	Construction of long awaited building commences.
1994	Lynrey Gymnastics Club amalgamates with Academy Gymnastics to form Lynrey Academy.
1997	Lynrey Academy was joined by WASP’s to form the biggest gymnastics club in Auckland. The new club's name was changed to Waitakere Gymnastics Club Incorporated. The Gymnasium building was officially named Lynrey Gymnasium. Club colours of blue, white and jade are adopted.
2007	50th Jubilee celebrated.
2008	Portage Licensing Trust donated $20,000 to pay off remainder of mortgage.
2011	Lauren Irving of Blockhouse Bay returned from representing New Zealand in 'Gymnasts at the Aloha Cup' and 'Gymnastics in Paradise' competitions in Hawaii, USA. Lauren placed 2nd overall and 2nd place on the beam and bar at the Aloha Cup. She followed this up with a 1st place overall, 1st place on beam, 2nd on bar and valut and 3rd place on the floor at the Gymnastics in Paradise Comp. Her team place 1st overall. Lauren also placed 1st Overall in Step 8 at the New Zealand Nationals. Well done Lauren!
2013	After many months of fundraising and applying for grants, the Club purchased a state of the art Gymnova Floor, replacing the old one in March 2013.
2013	Step 5 WAG gymnasts Sarah Moxham, Katelyn Tasker and Kimberley Tasker qualified to be selected for the Auckland Team and the Nationals held in Nelson. All three competed and achieved placings in both individual and team events.
2016	Safety padding was erected on the large steel poles that framed the gym walls. Safety boards and wall padding were put up around the foam pit.
2017	The Club successfully obtained grants for replacement of all the old foam in the large foam pit. Coaches and volunteers spent the day emptying the pit of old foam and introducing the new grey foam. New equipment was also purchased for the gym.
2017	In July 2017, the Club introduced the the look Waitakere Gymnastics Logo along with the Club Values system. Posters were hung up around the gym along with the new logo.
2017	Many of the STEP 5 and STEP 6 competitive squad qualified for the 2017 Gymnastics Nationals held in Blenheim. Hanna & Sofia both made the STEP 6 Auckland team. Other STEP 6 gymnasts, Tamara, Dani & Leia and in STEP 5, Mio, Liya, Natalya, Sophie all qualified. Nationals will be held in October 2017.