World Class Gymnastics Coach for Christchurch

Media Release

World Class Gymnastics Coach for Christchurch

Friday 2 June, 2006

A prominent Romanian coach, with a high-class international reputation and results has been lured to the Christchurch School of Gymnastics as head coach of their men’s programme.

Jozsef Ferencz, has confirmed a minimum two year contract with New Zealand’s largest club.

The Christchurch School of Gymnastics, founded in 1968, concentrated on girls until 2002 when a boy’s programme was started which Ferencz will now look after.

At the national championships last year the CSG boys brought home seven medals, including four gold and more is expected of them this year under Ferencz’ tutelage.

Ferencz hails from Gheorgheni in Romania and as the men’s national coach in the 1990’s took the team to the podium for the very first time at the World Championships in 1995 and two apparatus medals at the ’96 Olympics.

He has the best international results and experience of any gymnastics coach in New Zealand.

Ferencz has been coaching for over 30 years, the last few in England. He had intended to retire but was tempted by the chance of working in New Zealand.

“I am excited about this club and their facilities especially after the extensions are completed, they will be amongst the best in the world. Gymnastically I know what needs to be done and I can make a difference here.” said Ferencz.

Avril Enslow, Executive Officer at CSG, said “Ferencz’ role was to continue the culture of hard work and enjoyment established throughout the various levels at the club, and to continue to build the quality of the men’s programme, the groundwork has been done, our gymnasts are ready for this high performance coach”

Ferencz has received the support from the national body of the sport in New Zealand who are ecstatic about his arrival in New Zealand.

Jack Ralston CEO of NZ Gymnastics said “Ferencz’s expertise will be invaluable to the national high performance programme, athletes and coaches in Christchurch and all of New Zealand. The Christchurch School of Gymnastics is one of the leading centres of excellence in the country and it should be congratulated on its initiative in bringing a coach of Ferencz’s calibre to New Zealand.”

The New Zealand national gymnastics championships will be held in Christchurch at the WestpacTrust Stadium 27-30 September. It is the 50th anniversary year of New Zealand Gymnastics. The national champs will include artistic, rhythmic and trampoline for the first time.

Christchurch School of Gymnastics information:

- Largest Gymnastics Club in New Zealand

- Two CSG Trampolinists have a world age ranking.

- Largest Sport Club employer in Canterbury.

- Not reliant on grants - Income covers overheads.

- Owner of facility valued at $1.2 million situated on leased Christchurch City Council land in QE11 Park, Christchurch. $1.1m extension underway.

- Fully set up training and competition facility. Equipment valued at over $350,000.00. Includes Olympic standard and quality.

- New Zealand leader in providing gymnastics programmes to schools. 10636 participants and 30866 coaching hours in 2005.

- 148,661 visits to the venue in 2005.

- 1300 members who participate between one and six times weekly

- 11 full time and 35 part time staff.

- Executive officer is a member of the NZ Order of Merit, an Olympic Judge, and Prime Ministers Officials Scholarship holder.

- $1.3m extension underway to provide much needed additional office and gymnasium space.

ENDS

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