Gymnastics for Marilyn Julies, founder and executive director of MJ Gymnastics Club in Retreat, is a passion for more than 30 years.
While opportunities were scarce for young girls of colour growing up in the 60s, Julies says it led her to plough back into the community.
“As a child of the 60s, I had nowhere to go to train or play. There was never a place for us to train in the apartheid era. So, as an adult, I have been trying to plough back into the community and gymnastics was always close to my heart.
“Many ask why gymnastics because I am also good with netball, but it is just something I have always loved and I want to show children in the area that there are better things to do than just hanging out with friends.”
The club, which runs from St Mary’s Primary School in Retreat, is aimed at the communities of Retreat, Cafda, Steenberg, Lavender Hill, Capricorn and surrounding areas.
Julies, a former school teacher, says coaches volunteer their time and get nothing for their efforts.
“Some coaches are unemployed and we find it rather difficult to keep up financially as most children come from homes with unemployed parents.
“We are based at St Mary’s Primary School where we make use of the church hall and where I coach children from the surrounding areas.”
The club is made up of around 40 gymnasts, mostly girls aged between six and 15 years old.
“When I started teaching in 1989, I was at Steenberg High School, where I started the gym club.
“We became part of the Western Province schools and we did not have a facility. At the time, we had quite a lot of Western Province athletes.”
In 2004, Julies says she received a teacher’s post at St Mary’s in Retreat Road and that is where she runs the gymnastics club.
“We can use the hall when it is available to us.
“Gymnastics helps learners in a positive way, especially with their self-esteem.
“Just a month ago, an ex-gymnast called me from Singapore and thanked me for teaching her how to stand on her own.
“She told me that she was taught to have no fear because gymnastics taught her to face her fears.”
The NPO is in need of equipment and tracksuits to keep the club running.
“At the moment, we desperately need leotards and tracksuits. We are plus minus 40 children in different disciplines. We would like children to explore whichever discipline they are interested in.
“I’ve been doing this for 34 years and I don’t know when we will have our own gym in our community.
“Unfortunately, gymnastics is never seen as important as rugby or cricket. Lack of funds and venue is the main concern for us.”
- For more information on how to assist contact Marilyn Julies at marjulies@gmail.com
