Disabled young people try gymnastics for first time at East Midlands roadshow

13 May 2008

Young people with a disability from across Derbyshire and beyond were given the chance to try gymnastics and trampolining at an awareness event in Derby on April 27.

The East Midlands Gymnastics and Trampolining Disability Roadshow aimed to get more people involved in the sports.

And it was a huge success as 25 new participants took part in the event as well as a number of young people who have previously took part in sessions or are already involved with local clubs.

A total of 15 coaches also attended, and every county in the East Midlands was represented.

Held at Moorways Sports Centre in Derby, young people were able to join with several practical ‘come and try’ sessions in either gymnastics or trampolining as well as enjoying displays by disabled gymnasts.

This included performances by Derbyshire gymnast Ricky Blampied, members of the Erewash Valley Gym Club Boys’ Squad from Long Eaton, and Peterborough Gym Club.

Several English Gymnastics staff also attended the roadshow as it is being used as a model of good practice and will hopefully be replicated in other regions. Feedback was also given to a National Researcher who is using the information from East Midlands coaches, participants and parents to put together a case study into Equality provision in gymnastics.

The roadshow was organised by the East Midlands Gymnastics Associationin partnership with English Gymnastics and British Gymnastics, the English Federation for Disability Sport – East Midlands, and Derbyshire Sport.

The event was open to people of all ages and no previous gymnastics or trampolining experience was required. It was also be a chance for teachers and coaches to get new ideas and support to allow them to work with disabled performers.

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