George's Gymnastics Program

About the program

Monash University’s Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre, partnered with Waverley Gymnastics Centre and Vermont South Special School in 2022 to establish George’s Gymnastics Program, a five-week inclusive gymnastics program for primary school children with a disability (aged 5-13). The program has a ‘no barriers’ approach to gymnastics, and is run annually in Term 2 (April to June) in partnership with a growing number of Victorian Special Schools.

The program was co‑designed with past George’s Gymnastics Program participants, ensuring activities reflect what the children enjoy, how the children like to move, and what helps the children feel safe, creating a positive, empowering experience for every child.

In 2026, George’s Gymnastics Program will welcome over 200 children from eight Victorian Special Schools, including Vermont South Special School, Bayside Special Developmental School, Burwood East Special Developmental School, Eastern Ranges School, Belmore School, Endeavour Hills Specialist School, Glenallen School and Emerson School.

How the program works

During school hours, children from the partnering Victorian Special Schools attend five weeks of George’s Gymnastics Program at the Oakleigh campus of Waverley Gymnastics Centre. During the sessions, the children are supported by qualified Gymnastics Coaches, the school teachers, as well as Monash University physiotherapy and medical students. The high adult-to-child ratio ensures that the children receive individualised support.

Waverley Gymnastics Centre provides essential financial support for George’s Gymnastics Program, that allows us to provide the program at no cost to the children or the schools ($10,000 sponsorship / year). Woolworths provides an annual gift voucher so that the family and friends who visit on Week 5 of the program, can enjoy morning / afternoon tea as they watch the children complete their final week.

What the children said

What the school teachers said

“I think the program was excellent and removed barriers that are usually there for our students.”

“The confidence of the students throughout was incredible to watch.”

“The students really enjoyed going to George's Gymnastics Program each week. It was inclusive of all children and was set up for success. It was so great to see that even sensory toys had been organised for students, as well as name stickers and set places for students to remove their shoes.”

“All children were able to succeed in something at George's Gymnastics Program. Students gained some good gross motor skills and worked on their perseverance. Students all looked forward to the program and came back to school happy and proud.”

“Students were requesting gymnastics when they were at school, which is HUGE!”

Contact us for more information on this program

If you have any questions about this program, or if your Special School is interested in participating in George's Gymnastics Program in future years, please contact Natasha at natasha.brusco@monash.edu

For more information on this program from the Waverley Gymnastics Centre, please visit: https://wgc.org.au/inclusion-program/