Sport
21 July, 2021
Legacy honoured with centre renaming
AFTER pioneering gymnastics in Mareeba over a century ago, Arthur Randolph Lane has had his efforts recognised with the Mareeba Gymnastics Centre being renamed to the Arthur Randolph Lane Gymnastics Centre.
AFTER pioneering gymnastics in Mareeba over a century ago, Arthur Randolph Lane has had his efforts recognised with the Mareeba Gymnastics Centre being renamed to the Arthur Randolph Lane Gymnastics Centre.
Descendants of Arthur from across the country gathered in Mareeba last Friday for the official renaming including fifth generation gymnastic and Australian champion Callum McCarthy.
Every generation of Lane’s each kept the tradition of gymnastics alive all the way down to the newest generation, each doing gymnastics at one point in their life.
Desmond Lane, Arthur’s grandson, was present for the renaming and said he felt extremely proud for his grandfather’s contribution to Mareeba gymnastics be recognised.
“It’s very exciting and something we never envisioned that would happen,” he said.
“It’s over 100 years since Arthur started gymnastics in Mareeba and it is a great honour to have the centre named after grandad Lane.”
Arthur lane founded Mareeba National Fitness in November 1919, one year before Qantas was founded. From there he continued to push and develop gymnastics in Mareeba until 1951 at the age of 69.
Arthur then passed five years later at the age of 74, he is currently buried at the Mareeba Pioneer Cemetery.
Mareeba Shire Council Mayor Angela Toppin was excited for the Lane family and Arthur’s legacy to have the home of Mareeba gymnastics named after the man who started it all.
“It is only fitting that Arthur Randolph Lane who contributed so much to the sport as an individual, and who also generated something of a family dynasty in Mareeba gymnastics, should have the honour of having the home of Mareeba gymnastics named after him,” she said.
