Youth Week is a time to celebrate the rangatahi in our communities who are stepping up, giving back, and shaping the future. In gymnastics, we are proud of the pathways and opportunities that support this growth.

At Hutt Valley Gymnastics, four young coaches, Aimee Poad, Logan Curtis, Olive Young, and Taylor Whiting, are great examples of what can happen when opportunity, support, and commitment come together.

Each began their journey in the Gymnastics NZ XTND programme at just 12 years old. Designed to support young people into coaching and leadership roles, XTND helps develop confidence, communication skills, and foundational coaching knowledge, while being supported by experienced mentors.

With support from their mentors and clubs, Aimee, Logan, Olive, and Taylor graduated from the programme and continued their coaching journeys. As young coaches, they completed their elementary and junior qualifications, building both technical knowledge and practical coaching experience.

Most recently, all four achieved another significant milestone, completing their World Gymnastics Level 1 coaching qualifications across tumbling and artistic gymnastics. This achievement reflects not only their development as coaches, but also their commitment to giving back to the sport and supporting the next generation of gymnasts.

Beyond coaching, several of these young leaders have also taken on wider leadership roles within the gymnastics community. Logan, Taylor, and Olive have served as team captains for the Wellington team at nationals. Aimee, Olive, and Taylor have completed Gymnastics NZ facilitator and coach development training. Logan and Olive are members of the Wellington Provincial National Committee, while Taylor has taken on the role of Projects and Community Outreach Lead at Hutt Valley Gymnastics, helping strengthen connections and initiatives within the local community.

Their journeys highlight the impact of investing in youth, from learning the basics through to leading within clubs and contributing at a regional level.

As we celebrate Youth Week, we acknowledge not only what these rangatahi have already achieved, but also the future ahead of them. They are role models for younger gymnasts and a reminder of what is possible when young people are supported to grow, lead, and thrive within our sport.