Two well-known figures in Wanaka gymnastics have been recognised with accolades by Otago Gymnastics.

The coach/gymnast team of Rae Paterson and Bella Soper, from Wanaka’s Aspiring Gymsports, were nominated for awards by coaches and officials from other clubs. 

Rae Paterson won the Nola Paterson Award for services to gymnastics in Otago, in particular for her coaching across the codes from pre-school, men’s and women’s competitive and recreational gymnastics, and her continuing work in promoting a new gymnastic facility in the area.

“I was thrilled to receive the award,” Rae told the Wanaka App. “It was presented in honour of my late mother Nola Paterson. l’m the second recipient and it’s lovely to be recognised for 19 years of service to gymnastics in Wanaka and Otago, since we started on April 17 2002.”

Bella Soper won two awards: the Top Otago Gymnast in Step 8 (for the second year running), and the Noeline Munro Award for the highest score by an Otago gymnast in a national competition. 

Bella started her gymnastic career at Mini Muscles (run by Aspiring Gymsports) and has been a club member for 15 years. 

She told the Wanaka App she was “very honoured” to have received the awards. 

“It was very exciting for me seeing all my hard work pay off and I can’t wait for the award to be won by a future Wanaka gymnast,” she said..

Rae said Bella has retired from competitive gymnastics after “an amazing journey”.

“She is the first gymnast from Wanaka to qualify at a national level and represent Otago three times at New Zealand Champs, and so far the only Wanaka gymnast to earn a gold and silver medal at Nationals.”

Rae said the Covid-19 restrictions in 2020 “wiped Bella’s chance” of her first NZ team trial. 

Bella will continue her gymnastic journey as a club coach, Rae said.

PHOTO: Supplied