The Gymnathlon
approach
Gymnathlon is a multi-sport programme designed to support a child’s all-round physical development. Through fun, play-led and carefully structured sessions, we help children build age-appropriate skills while developing a genuine love of movement. To support this journey, Gymnathlon is organised into four interconnected courses.
Baby
2,5–4 years
- A first introduction to organised movement, supporting early independence
- Development of 10 fundamental movement skills
- Playful movement games and activities using a variety of equipment
Junior
4–6 years
- Building versatility and a positive attitude towards sport
- Development of 12 key movement skills
- Fun athletics, gymnastics and movement games
Sportmix
6–9 years
- Developing versatility and teamwork
- Teaching the fundamentals of six sports
- Basketball, gymnastics, tennis, athletics, volleyball and parkour
Active
8–11 years
- Building fitness and healthy movement habits
- Development of seven key physical abilities
- Fun circuit activities, technical exercises and movement games
Strong emphasis on play, fun and positive experiences
Game plan with stickers
As children complete sessions and practise new skills, they collect stickers in their own colourful game plans. These help keep children motivated by showing their progress throughout the course. At the same time, the game plans give parents a clear overview of what their child is learning and how they are developing.
Our beloved mascot, Max the Monkey
The playful nature of our sessions is brought to life by Gymnathlon’s mascot, Max the Monkey, who children quickly grow to love. Max supports children not only during sessions, but also beyond them — each child has the opportunity to take Max home for a week.
Two coaches for a maximum of 20 children
To ensure high-quality sessions and the best possible experience for every child, Gymnathlon keeps group sizes small and provides two coaches for each group (in our Junior, Sportmix and Active courses). The coaches work closely together, supporting children as a coordinated team and adapting activities as needed, so every child feels supported, confident and engaged during each session.
What children learn and develop
| Areas of development | Key skills and abilities |
|---|---|
| Key movement skills | Climbing and crawling Walking and running Rolling and tumbling Playing with balls Agility and balance Jumping |
| Tactical awareness | Spatial awareness |
| Technical skills | Throwing and catching |
| Personality and confidence | Friendship and teamwork Independence |
| Areas of development | Key skills and abilities |
|---|---|
| Key movement skills | Running Climbing and rolling Jumping and bouncing Lifting and carrying objects Exercises using a variety of equipment Balance and stability Movement coordination Pulling activities (such as tug-of-war) |
| Tactical awareness | Spatial awareness during play |
| Technical skills | Catching Throwing |
| Personality and confidence | Focus and concentration |
| Sport | Key physical abilities for each sport |
|---|---|
| Tennis skills | Speed Strength Coordination |
| Volleyball skills | Explosiveness Speed Coordination |
| Basketball skills | Explosiveness Strength Speed |
| Athletics skills | Explosiveness Strength Speed |
| Gymnastics skills | Strength Coordination Flexibility |
| Parkour skills | Strength Coordination Flexibility |
| Areas of development | Key skills and abilities |
|---|---|
| Key movement skills | Speed Explosiveness Strength Endurance Coordination Flexibility Balance |
| Personality and confidence | Motivation Self-discipline Cooperation and teamwork |
Experts behind our methodology
The Gymnathlon approach is built on a varied mix of movement activities and games. It was developed in collaboration with experts from the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport at Charles University, along with specialists from sports clubs and associations.
The activities in each programme are carefully selected to prioritise children’s enjoyment and fun, while also supporting their overall development. Depending on the programme type, our methodology has been developed in collaboration with the experts listed below.
Doc. PaedDr. Tomáš Perič, Ph.D.
Lead methodology guarantor of the Gymnathlon programme
Charles University
Department of Sports Games
Author of professional publications on children’s sports training
PhDr. Aleš Kaplan, Ph.D.
Athletics methodology guarantor
Head of the Department of Athletics at Charles University
Mgr. Jan Pecha, Ph.D.
Tennis methodology guarantor
Member of the Methodical Commission of the Czech Tennis Association
Milena Moulisová
Basketball methodology guarantor
Head coach for children and youth at the Czech Basketball Federation
Mgr. Karel Kupec
Professional physiotherapist
Mgr. Kateřina Doležalová, Ph.D.
Gymnastics methodology guarantor
Department of Gymnastics at Charles University
Mgr. Michaela Knoblochová
Volleyball methodology guarantor
Certified volleyball coach at Charles University
Jan Pospíšil
Parkour methodology guarantor
Methodologist at the Czech Parkour Association