Niagara Park Stadium will host the 2024 Australian Tai Chi Championships on May 25.
Convener Steve Heard said the Tai Chi Association of Australia presented the national event every year, usually in a capital city such as Brisbane or Sydney.
“This is the first time that it’s being held on the Central Coast,” he said.
“We are delighted that we can bring tai chi in its many forms to the local community.
“It attracts people from all walks of life, of all ages and cultures.
“The competition will comprise teams and individuals from around the nation and there will be some excellent examples of this amazing Chinese martial art.”
Heard has lived on the Central Coast and run classes here since 2007.
“I’m very passionate about tai chi,” he said.
“I have competed in China and locally over the years and have been heavily involved with running events such as World Tai Chi Day and Moon Festivals.
“We have competitors at this year’s competition from around Australia including from the Northern Territory, Queensland and Victoria.
“We also have a group of Japanese tai chi practitioners competing as guests and they will be acting as hosts for our TCAA tai chi team competing in Japan in June.
“I’m expecting it to be a great day and I’m hoping it will attract people to become interested in tai chi as it has been proven to be incredibly beneficial to health and wellbeing.”
Heard said Central Coast Council had approved a grant to help with the cost of staging the free event.
The championships will be held from 9.30am-5.30pm on Saturday, May 25, at Niagara Park Stadium, 18 Washington Ave.