From the Captains of Aerobics 2023

On the 7^th of September 17 Ignatian Aerobics athletes, three coaches and two staff members embarked on the 2023 FISAF National Championships in the Gold Coast. The season provided its challenges, but the girls persevered to make it to the national championships.

On the Friday, the girls were provided the opportunity to watch some high-standard national and international level performances, which inspired us all. On this day, four current Ignatian athletes and eight old scholars also took the stage as a part of the club Platinum Sport Aerobics run by old scholar, Victoria Metzer, and performed exceptionally well in very competitive sections.

The Saturday was the competition day for the school stream and despite the high competition standards and large sections, the College’s success throughout the weekend was phenomenal.

Up first, the College’s most experienced aerobics athletes took to the stage in the Secondary Small team section coached by head coach Zara Toffoli. With four out of five members in year 12, this would be the last time they would compete together as Ignatius’ students, so the girls were determined to deliver their best routine yet. The team performed outstandingly with amazing intensity and energy throughout the whole routine, winning a well-deserved silver medal!

Our next team Elevate, coached by old scholar Elizabeth Taddeo, comprises a group of our senior girls in the Secondary Advanced section. Despite a challenging season with injuries, these girls came together and performed incredibly, placing 5th in a very difficult section.

Our Secondary Pre-choreographed Phase 2 team was the last to perform, coached by old scholar Holly Clark. This team was our youngest, comprised of Year 7s, 8s, and 9s, all of whom were performing on the national stage for the first time. The girls performed in the incredibly competitive section, but their strong execution of skills, synchronisation, and energy on stage secured them the national title.

The girls from all teams were elated to have been so successful in yet another competitive section, a positive end to a fantastic season by the whole aerobics squad. These results are a testimony to the hard work and dedication which the girls have demonstrated through their commitment in this sport. The girls have been training three times a week since February, and their hard work has paid off. The showmanship illustrated throughout the entirety of the competition was admirable; a reflection of our Ignatian values. Overall, the trip gave us a great opportunity to develop friendships across year levels and create many wonderful memories which we will all cherish forever.

We would also like to extend a special thank you to all of those who accompanied us on this trip, making it possible for us to compete on the National stage. In particular, Mrs Puntillo, Mrs Toker and our head coach Zara Toffoli. Without the support of this community, we never would have been able to achieve the success we have seen - the whole squad is eternally grateful for you all.

To develop for next year’s season, there is skills and fitness training on Tuesday and Thursday mornings; we would love to grow our squad, so if there is anyone not currently involved in Aerobics who is interested in learning more about the Aerobics program please come along to a training or email Mrs Puntillo or Ms Toker.

Camille Gauducheau and Sara Ciccozzi
Captains of Aerobics 2023