Local Sydney Athletes head to Europe as Parkour programs gain momentum across the Globe

The Y NSW (YMCA)

As two young athletes from the Y NSW prepare to represent Australia on the international Parkour stage, the organisation is doubling down on efforts to grow the sport from the ground up.

20 year old, Teana Bourke and 17-year-old Abdurahman (Abdul) Abdullah both based at the Y Bankstown, have been selected for the Australian team competing in the FIG Parkour World Cup, with events taking place this weekend in Amsterdam and again in Montpellier next month. They will be joined by long-time coach, Michael (35), continuing a journey that began in the Y NSW’s local recreation classes.

While Parkour remains a relatively new sport in Australia, the Y NSW has quietly become a launchpad for emerging talent through its structured indoor programs - Ninja, Free G and Kinder Ninja.

Free G, the only current competition stream, blends gymnastics, parkour, obstacle training and freestyle movement to build agility, strength and coordination in a safe, controlled environment.

Teana, who began as a gymnast at the Y in 2014, is now one of Australia’s top female competitors and is the youngest woman to have competed on Australian Ninja Warrior back in 2022 when she was just 16.

"It’s surreal to be heading to Europe to compete, it all started for me at the YMCA. The support I've had over the years has shaped who I am as an athlete, and I hope our journey shows other young people what’s possible when you back yourself and have a community that backs you too," said Teana.

Abdul, who joined the Y’s recreational gymnastics program in 2017, was the youngest competitor at last year’s Parkour World Championships in Japan and officially became a coach in late 2024.

"I never imagined I’d be coaching and competing internationally when I first started out at the Y. This sport has given me so much, and now I want to help others find their passion in the same way. We’re just getting started," said Abdul.

Their stories reflect the Y NSW’s broader commitment to nurturing youth talent and developing a full pathway for progression. With demand growing an results starting to speak for themselves, the Y NSW is currently seeking grant funding to build an outdoor Parkour arena, a first for the organisation, to support training and expand access in Bankstown and beyond.

With grassroots momentum building, and local athletes now stepping onto the world stage, the Y NSW is poised to play a leading role in the future of Australian parkour.

About the Y NSW:

The Y NSW is a vibrant, for-purpose organisation delivering cause-driven programs and valuable community services that help strengthen young people’s lives, their families, and the communities in which they live. The Y is part of the largest youth organisations in the world, the YMCA, which reaches across 120 countries.

The Y Bankstown located in Revesby, serves as a dynamic community hub offering a wide array of programs and services tailored for individuals of all ages and abilities. As part of YMCA NSW, this not-for-profit centre provides facilities and activities that promote health, well-being, and social connection. Programs include gymnastics, fitness classes, school holiday activities, and community initiatives like GymAbility, which supports individuals with disabilities. The centre also offers school PE programs, Learn to Play sessions for team sports, and various community programs aimed at fostering inclusivity and engagement.

The Y NSW Media Enquiries:

Katey White, Brilliant Logic | M 0422 639 093 | E [email protected]