Information Bulletin
26 June 2006
Shetland Gymnastics takes off
Shetland gymnastics has taken another leap forward last weekend, with seven local coaches completing a training course towards obtaining their Foundation Coaching Licences, the first award in the Scottish Gymnastics coaching scheme.
Two tutors from Scottish Gymnastics, Lynn Milne and Lorna Whyte, were both in Shetland for the weekend to lead the 19-hour course that took place at Scalloway School Games Hall and Islesburgh Community Centre. The course took participants through the methods of teaching basic gymnastics skills to children, including vaults, floor work and balance exercises. All the candidate coaches will have a period of supervised coaching over the coming months, before sitting a final assessment in November this year.
Shetland Gymnastics Club has gone from strength to strength over the last two years, since an initial coaching course was run in April 2004. Over 40 children between the ages of five and 14 are now regularly involved in the Club, based at the Clickimin Centre and also in gymnastics groups in Brae and Yell. The gymnastics programme of the 2005 NatWest Island Games also stimulated local interest in the sport and the Club now has a waiting list for new members.
Local gymnastics coach, Julie Grant, who is also working towards a higher level British Gymnastics Club Coach award, commented – “Volunteer coaches are essential for the Club’s activities. Gymnastics in Shetland has really taken off and all our classes are currently full. When qualified, these new coaches will allow us to run more classes and involve more children in the coming year.”
This coaching weekend was organised by the Sport & Leisure Service of Shetland Islands Council, in partnership with Shetland Gymnastics Club and Scottish Gymnastics. Sports Development Officer with Shetland Islands Council, Bob Kerr commented – “The growth of gymnastics in Shetland is a real success story. Scottish Gymnastics are to be commended on their continued support for the sport in Shetland.”
Shetland Gymnastics Club will be holding their first annual display at the Clickimin Centre on Monday 26 June 2006, from 5.30 – 7.00pm. Spectators are welcome to attend.
ENDS