TAREE PCYC's Gymaroos will represent Australia in the 2015 World Gymnaestrada in Helsinki, Finland.
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Although they need support to purchase costumes appropriate to perform in and to represent Australia at an international level, explained Taree PCYC Gymaroos head coach Sarah Hayes.
"Correct costumes have been researched to ensure safety," Sarah said.
"To get this quality, costumes will cost around $150 per athlete."
To cover the price for 26 costumes and additional costs, Manning Regional Art Gallery's public programs officer, Rachel Piercy and Taree PCYC Gymaroos team manager, Justin Hayes set up an online fundraising page through crowd funding platform Pozible.
The premise of Pozible is that projects have a clear funding goal and time limit.
If the project doesn't reach the fundraising amount, no money is exchanged.
The fundraising project ends on June 5. Currently they have made $1360 of their $5000 goal.
Different amounts 'pledged' to the project receive different rewards.
For $25 you will receive a personalised postcard from one of the gymnasts in Helsinki. The higher the pledge, the greater the reward.
Other rewards include VIP tickets to the annual PCYC Taree Gymaroos show or a local performance by the Gymaroos at community events.
According to head coach Sarah Hayes, training for Helsinki is going well and the routine is different from anything they have tried before.
"Having Bangarra dance theatre work with us earlier this year helped incorporate local Biripi stories in to our choreography," said Sarah.
The routine will explore themes of reconciliation and embrace the cultural diversity of Australia.
Several of the 'Dreamtime Sistas' (Australia's first Koori Gymnastics team) will also be joining the Gymaroos for their European tour.
Other exciting new additions to the performance is the use of a 10 metre inflatable tumbler track.
"Some of our gymnasts are top tumblers at State and national level," said Sarah.
"This will be a great way for them to showcase their skill."
The Helsinki Team is made up of 26 vibrant, committed gymnasts from 8 to 24 years of age, one coach and a team manager. For the trip to Helsinki they will also have five chaperons.
To help them reach their fundraising goal and purchase costumes, follow this link: http://www.pozible.com/project/194430
