Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has announced a $5,000 State Government grant to secure new sensory equipment will be given to the gym to support children with additional needs to be physically active.

Mr Marshall said the purchase of new lycra swings and metal frames would allow the club to grow its dedicated sensory gym and kindergym.

"With the assistance of occupational therapists and special education teachers from local schools, Armidale Gymnastics Club has developed an inclusive program that allows children with varying levels of disability to have fun and be social," he said.

"By installing a number of new climbing activities, including small bouldering wall and balancing apparatus, will enable children to feel the freedom of movement assist them with coordinated and balance."

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Improving the sensory area with specialist equipment will mean the group can offer more targeted activities to children with a greater range of disability.

"This sensory program has changed the lives of many children and their parents," Mr Marshall said.

"By having the capacity to grow in the future I hope more families will sign on to the physical benefits gymnastics has to offer."

Armidale City Gymnastics Club President Tahlia Stace said the sensory group has had excellent parent reviews, with evidence showing a substantial increase in participant's sensory motor skills.

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"It is well documented how valuable movement programs are to people of all ages," Ms Stace said.

"Our Kindergym and sensory gym programs provide an environment for participants to develop their physical and cognitive skills in a fun and playful way and at their own rate through guided exploration.

"Gymnastics NSW have also assisted with making the program accessible by offering membership of the association, insurance costs, at a substantially reduced rate."

Ms Stace said this has meant that many of the children, particularly boys, have moved on from the group to participate in general gymnastics sessions offered by the club.

"Our hope long-term is to become a registered NDIS provider and offer this very worthwhile service on a larger scale, which in turn would lead to a larger employment profile for our club," she said.

"We are extremely fortunate to be able to offer programs like these into our region with the continued support of the NSW Government."

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