Mrs Emmy Bellwood

MRS EMMY BELLWOOD

Emmy came to New Zealand in 1947 and became the first female lecturer at the school of Physical Education at the University of Otago.

Until her retirement in 1985 when she became a Life Member of NZGA her enthusiasm for the sport never wavered

Emmy Bellwood was a founder member pf Rhythmic Gymnastics and the Incentive Award Scheme in New Zealand. She travelled extensively and to the FIG Congress in Rotterdam and conducted Coaching and National Rhythmic Schools in many parts of the world (often first of their kind).

In 1958 Emmy Bellwood formed the Gymnos Club and in 1962 acted as a Judge at the World Championships. In 1972 she conducted the first Diploma School for Modern Gymnastics and passed all exams at the International Judges Course in Varna, Bulgaria.

In 1980 Emmy was awarded the QSO in the Queens Birthday Honours List and in the same year attend an International Judges Course in Switzerland and was appointed an FIG expert.