Gymnastics Clubs Australia inducts latest Industry Hall of Famers

Gymnastics Clubs Australia (GCA) has announced its induction of its second round of Industry Hall of Famers into its Gymnastics Industry Hall of Fame.

Presented during the most recent GCA Awards Gala - a feature event in GCA’s second National Congress held in Darwin - the inductees, Val Norris and Ken Benson, have a long history of remarkable contributors to the industry and its respective sectors.

Both were inducted into the Pioneer category.

Val Norris, a 1964 and 1968 Olympian, started her first club in 1978, the Val Norris Christian Academy of Gymnastics.

After establishing a second club in 1985, she broke new ground when she took on the establishment to create a new club model - one not encumbered with unserviced expenses and overly rigid restrictions. Olympic Fun and Fitness was the result in 2001. Norris also pioneered mixed gender training formats.

Ken Benson started gymnastics in 1966 and later that year became a volunteer coach. His drive lead to the development of a number of high performing - both 'business' and sport wise - network of Y's in greater Sydney.

At these sites, he pioneered a range of successful programs. For more on Ken's achievements.

Due to ill-health, Benson accepted his Award via video link to Sydney. Ken recounted many wonder memories and gave great insights into the challenges and joys of the times.

Commenting on the presentations, GCA Chief Executive, Ross Gage stated "the way the event was so extremely well received - both by award recipients and audience - further validated the value of recognising and celebrating industry achievements in this manner."

The next inductions into the GCA Hall of Fame will be made during GCA National Congress 2023 at Tweed Heads during July 2023.

Image: Val Norris with her award.