Gold medals for Lindy Joy

North Shore’s Lindy Joy Crouch is Australia’s new Golden Girl of ITF Taekwon-Do, after winning two Gold medals at the International Taekwon-Do Federation’s Special Needs World Championships in Argentina.

Lindy was Australia’s first Down syndrome athlete to compete at the ITF World Championships, in the first fully fledged ITF Special Needs international event. She was featured with her coach Phill Zdybel and fellow competitor Joshua Zdybel in the Term 3 edition of Northerly Aspects.

Lindy Joy won Gold in the Adult individual yellow belt patterns, and also in the Mixed abilities event. She teamed up with Joshua Zdybel to perform self defence against weapon attacks and an unarmed assailant.

Lindy Joy was featured on the International Taekwon-Do Federation website following her win. The website reported:

“She trains twice weekly at Geelong Taekwon-Do, under the guidance of 5th Degree instructor Phillip Zdybel. Mr Zdybel also acted as Head Coach of the National team, as well as competing himself.

He describes Lindy as a ‘very spirited young lady who show a lot of determination along the way and put in the extra work attending regular pool sessions’ in addition to regular training.

Despite her special needs, Lindy trains in the regular class and does all the same drills and conditioning as the black belts. This was evident in her performance in Argentina.

President Master Michael Muleta said it was a fantastic result for Lindy and the Australian team. He also noted how the Taekwon-Do special needs section had grown since its inception in 2016. So much so, that the national organisation now has a Special Needs Committee to further develop the program domestically.

“Lindy now has her eyes firmly set on the 2020 ITF World Championships in Russia, where she hopes to return as a high colour belt.”

Trio off to championships

Talented Taekwondo trio Lindy Joy Crouch, Joshua and Phill Zdybel are preparing to take on the world at the International Taekwondo Federation World Championships in Buenos Aires in late July-early August.

Lindy Joy has Down syndrome and will create history as the first Australian representative in special needs ITF world competition. She will be accompanied on her trip by her mother Jayne.

Lindy Joy, 25, took up Taekwondo as a form of exercise and is now training twice a week as well as doing gym sessions and swimming. She enjoys the sport and the chance to make new friends.

Joshua Zdybel, 15, has been involved in the sport since he was four years old and is preparing for this third world championships. He won a silver medal at the last championships in Rome and this time is aiming for gold in the Under 18 Under 70kg Division.

Joshua and Lindy Joy are both coached by Phill Zdybel in Corio. Phill will also compete in Buenos Aires in the Senior 82-plus kilogram division.

Phill said all three are tracking well in their preparation for the championships, including wins in the Victorian championships in Mildura in May.

25 years of calisthenics

Cloverdale Calisthenics College, based at Hendy Street Community Centre, is celebrating its 25th year in 2018.

Founder and coach Mandy Mueller has been a part of the college for all those 25 years. Mandy is dedicated to helping run the college in her administrator’s role she, and along with her fellow coaches helps to nurture and develop calisthenics skills in all pupils.

Calisthenics is an artistic team performing sport that combines elements of dance, simplified ballet, gymnastics, singing, acting, march and apparatus work. It involves a team learning choreographed routines to music that are performed at competitions and a concert. Team members learn commitment, dedication and the importance of being part of a team while making friends and having lots of fun along the way.

Cloverdale is a relatively small club, but is hoping to boost membership numbers this year. New members are encouraged to go along and see what calisthenics is all about. The first two classes are free.

All coaches are fully accredited with a Level One Coaching qualification with the Victorian Calisthenics Coaches Association (VCCA), have a Working With Children Check and a current first aid certificate.

Cloverdale offers competitive classes for all ages, from Tinies to Masters and recreational classes during Term 4 each year.

In celebration of the College turning 25 years, a dinner will be held at The Waurn Ponds Hotel on Friday, May 18 and all past and present members are invited to attend a fun-filled evening.

Cloverdale always welcomes new members. For more information visit the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/cloverdalecalisthenics/ , email [email protected] or phone Mandy on 0418-559-241.

Sport focus at school

Northern Bay College students are being encouraged to engage in sport through a pilot program developed at their school.

Sports Empowerment Education Development (SEED) was developed by teacher Ben Lowery and fitness and motivation expert Steve Lewry. It is based at the college’s Goldsworthy campus, where new facilities have been developed for soccer, basketball, netball, tennis, volleyball and cricket.

Ben Lowery has been teaching in the northern suburbs for 18 years, while Steve ‘Stoofa’ Lewry is no stranger to the Goldsworthy campus. He attended the former Corio Technical School as a teenager and is now one of Geelong’s best known personal trainers, motivational speakers and coaches.

“Ben and I have experience in lots of sports,” Stoofa said. “We developed this program to engage kids in sport and increase their participation at school and in the community.

“There are so many benefits of being involved in sport and we hope it will help engage kids and keep them at school. The new facilities here are first-class and this program is a natural progression to make the most of them.”

SEED is being conducted for Year 9 students this year and gives them access to specialist coaching in a range of sports. The focus is on participation, engagement, teamwork and creating a sense of belonging. It will be extended to Year 10 next year.

Year 7 and 8 students are also involved in a new sporting program that gives them access to specialist coaches. The students attend Goldsworthy campus for weekly coaching in up to 15 sports of their choice.

“This program is unique to the needs of students at Northern Bay College and the goal is fitness, participation and motivation for sport and school,” Stoofa said. “It’s about giving them new experiences.”

All Abilities Soccer

All Abilities Soccer is returning to Norlane in 2017 and it’s a special year for the program – it’s the 10th anniversary.

The first session for the year will be Saturday, April 22 at 9.45am. The venue will remain the same as previous years, with sessions to take place at The Leisuretime Centre, 262-282 Anakie Road, Norlane.

The program is open to males and females with a disability and the focus is to enjoy each other’s company, keep fit, have fun and learn some new skills playing one of Australia’s most popular sports.

For more information contact Timmy at Leisure Networks, phone 5224-9136 or email [email protected] 

Have fun at bowls

Norlane Bowling Club is getting ready for a new spring/summer season and is inviting would-be bowlers to join the fun.

The club, in St Georges Road, offers the chance to try the sport in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. It runs social bowls sessions every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoon, as well as indoor bowls on Thursdays from 7pm.

Club assistant secretary Neil Watson said social bowls is a good introduction to the sport.

“We play from 12.30pm until about 4pm during the cooler months and it’s a great way for people to come and try bowls in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere,” Neil said.

“Newcomers don’t have to worry about equipment because the club has bowls they can use for a while before they commit to buying their own. Coaching is also available.”

Neil said bowls is for all ages and abilities and no experience is necessary.

“We have bowlers from age 10 to 90. Our memberships are affordable and we also have kitchen and bar facilities available to members,” he said. “We’d love to welcome new bowlers to our club.”

For more information, potential bowls are invited to call in to a social or indoor bowls session or contact Neil Watson, phone 0478-768-598.

New cricket program

North Geelong Cricket Club is working hard to encourage budding young northern suburbs cricketers to get into the game.

The club, based in Swinburne Street, North Geelong, will also use facilities at Windsor Park in Norlane this season to give young cricketers the chance to play and train on turf wickets.

Junior Club Chairman David Milsome said there are opportunities for boys and girls to participate in Milo In2 Cricket, Under 11, 13, 15 and 17 programs.

A Registration Day will be held on Sunday, September 11, but there will be further opportunities to get involved for those who miss the registration day.

“We want cricketers in the northern suburbs to make ours the club of choice and thanks to support from Gforce Employment Solutions we’re able to offer a strong junior program,” he said.

Registration costs $100, which includes a free Big Bash membership, match day and training shirts, pants and a club cap.

For more information, contact David Milsome, phone 0414-450-736.

Friendly introduction to bowls

Norlane Bowling Club is inviting people to come and try the sport in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

The club, in St Georges Road, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. It runs social bowls sessions every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoon, as well as indoor bowls on Thursdays from 7pm.

Club assistant secretary Neil Watson said social bowls is a good introduction to the sport.

“We play from 12.30pm until about 4pm during the cooler months and it’s a great way for people to come and try bowls in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere,” Neil said.

“Newcomers don’t have to worry about equipment because the club has bowls they can use for a while before they commit to buying their own. Coaching is also available.”

Neil said bowls is for all ages and abilities and no experience is necessary.

“We have bowlers from age 10 to 90. Our memberships are affordable and we also have kitchen and bar facilities available to members,” he said. “We’d love to welcome new bowlers to our club.”

For more information, potential bowls are invited to call in to a social or indoor bowls session or contact Neil Watson, phone 0478-768-598.

Jaxson’s on track for success

Corio teenager Jaxson Cox is making a name for himself in the world of go karting.

Jaxson has won the first three rounds of the Junior KA Light Victorian Country Series, with three more races to come before October. His success comes three years after taking up racing at Geelong Kart Club’s Beckley Park complex.

The 14-year-old previously raced dirt carts and followed his cousin into track racing. His father, Graham, also has a background in speedway racing.

Jaxson and his family have travelled all over Victoria to race. As well as racing at weekends, they are kept busy testing and maintaining his go kart.

Jaxson, a Year 9 student at North Geelong Secondary College, often reaches speeds of up to 120 kmh during racing. He is also learning the mechanical side of racing, so that he can improve.

The young achiever has attracted interest from sponsors, including Max Fry Smash Repairs, Garden City Auto Wreckers, Ultimate Karting and The Royal Hotel Meredith.

Dylan’s a rising star

Dylan Whiteside is only 14, but already considered one of the rising stars of superbike racing.

The Corio teenager recently whizzed through the third round of the 2016 Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship at Sydney Motorsport Park. He is sitting third in the series and will compete in three more rounds – in Western Australia, Queensland at Victoria’s Winton race track – before it is completed.

Dylan has been riding for three years, taking up the sport after watching a friend compete in South Australia. Dylan said his parents James and Michelle were great supporters and have helped him rise through the ranks, including his graduation to 250cc bike this year.

“I love the thrill of going fast,” he said.

Dylan is also leading the Moto3 class at the 2016 Pirelli Motul Victorian Road Racing Championships after the opening round took place at Broadford in early April. He is also leading the Moto3 class at the 2016 Hartwell Motorcycle Club Championship after two rounds.

In addition to his parents’ support, Dylan has sponsorship from Urban Drilling in Geelong.