Sport

‘Physie’ women taking on nation

IN an amazing first year of operation, Padstow Physical Culture Club ladies are now competing at national championship level after four junior girls were zone finalists, with three zone finalist ladies, two national finalist ladies and one national place-getter.

Club president Melanie Verrell is thrilled to have had such a successful debut in Padstow.
Melanie has been a ‘Physie’ enthusiast for over 40 years, with her mother a teacher for 20 years who also taught current teacher Gillian.
A combination of ballet, jazz and yoga, Melanie says it’s fun learning the routines and perfecting them for competitions which are held three to four times a year.
“It’s really good exercise that’s perfect for mums as it keeps you flexible and strong and also for children and teens as it builds self confidence, discipline and social skills,” she explained.
“It also keeps kids off their electronics and for families, it is a lot more affordable than dance lessons; we are registered for both the Active and Creative Kids vouchers which keeps costs down further and saves about $300 year.
“We are on the hunt for more juniors since you need eight girls in the same age group in order to compete.”
With classes on offer for three-year-olds to seniors (one member is in her early 60s), the club operates out of Padstow RSL on Mondays, 4-9pm, Wednesdays, 4-8.30pm, for juniors and ladies and from March, in the Scout Hall on Arab Road at Padstow on Saturdays, 2-5pm, for ladies.
For more info or to book a class, call Gillian on 0408 814 005.