Following in the footsteps of most Cirque du Soleil performers comes a group of Illawarra youngsters about to hit the Acrosport World Championships … but not without help.
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Eight students training out of an old cow shed in Oak Flats have been selected for Australia’s national team to compete in China this March.
Oak Flats Gymnastics and Acrobatics owner Kim Lacey said the “honour” will cost each competitor thousands so they’re currently using every fundraising avenue they can to get the cash.
“Most of the time these kids come from working class backgrounds and it’s already hard on the parents,” she said. “Unfortunately for a sport like acrobatics and gymnastics you don’t get funded. The girls have to pay about $6000 for the trip, for the honour of representing Australia.”
She said the experience would open doors for the troupe such as assisting entry into university, build self esteem and help their personal development.
Currently the club has registered a GoFundMe page to collect donations, are out and about busking, and are planning lots of sausage sizzles and trivia nights.
Ms Lacey said the group are also grand performers in the style of the Cirque du Soleil Banquine act, including flips and handstands, and are happy to be booked for events.
