New format and venues for SA’s premier gymnastics competition
Gymnastics South Africa’s National Championships, previously known as Gym Games, is set to return in October 2025 with a new format. Over 3 000 gymnasts in all disciplines and all age groups will be in action across four different venues in the country between 2 and 12 October.
“We are setting a new course as we take our National Championships to all four corners of South Africa,” says Adele Heine, President of Gymnastics South Africa. “Not only is this a cost-effective move, but more importantly we’re giving more Provinces the opportunity to host our biggest competition of the year. What makes this year’s decentralised format even more special is that each host Province will host its most prominent discipline. For example, Rhythmic Gymnastics’ biggest support base is in KwaZulu-Natal, while Rope Skipping has a big following in the North West Province. Eastern Cape will host Trampoline and Tumbling. Gauteng will play host to Artistic Gymnastics, Parkour and Acrobatics.”
“Our aim this year is to make gymnastics more inclusive, and this new decentralised approach supports our efforts to take gymnastics to the entire country,” adds Heine.
The National Championships will continue to serve as the final event in the domestic season, where provincial selections lead to national-level competition. It is also a key platform for talent identification and development, and selection in various disciplines to the Region 5 gymnastics event taking place in Namibia in December.
Competitions are set to take place at the following venues:
- Gauteng Province – Gymnastics SA National Training Centre, Eldoraigne:
- Men’s Artistic Gymnastics: 2 – 6 October
- Women’s Artistic Gymnastics: 6 – 9 October
- Parkour: 3 – 6 October
- Acrobatic Gymnastics: 10 – 12 October
North West Province, Mmabane Centre, Mahikeng
- Aerobic Gymnastics: 3 – 6 October
- Rope Skipping: 3 – 6 October
KwaZulu-Natal, University of KwaZulu Natal, Westville Campus
- Rhythmic Gymnastics: 4 – 9 October
Eastern Cape, Nelson Mandela University, Indoor Centre, Gqeberha
- Trampoline Gymnastics: 7 – 10 October
Khumbulani Konco, CEO of Gymnastics South Africa, added: “This repositioning gives us an opportunity to reframe the narrative around the event and elevate its importance for gymnasts, coaches, and the broader public. It’s an important step forward in aligning our national structures and celebrating the full scope of gymnastics in South Africa. We look forward to hosting SA’s best gymnasts across the country in what promises to be a spectacular display of incredible gymnastics”
For all the full programmes, event updates visit https://gymnasticssa.co.za/ or follow @GymnasticsSA on social media
