Information Bulletin
13 November 2006
Gymnastics coaches make the grade
Shetland gymnastics had a boost last weekend with local coaches completing their final coaching examinations, in what was a beneficial event for the sport in Shetland.
Scottish Gymnastics tutors, Lynne Milne and Lorna Whyte were in Shetland to oversee coaching exams in Scalloway School Games Hall on Sunday. Four local coaches – Hanne Irvine, Dorothy Sales, Lynn Smith, and Dawn Thomson – passed their exams as Foundation Level Coaches, the first level coaching award in the Scottish Gymnastics structure. These coaches can now lead gymnastics classes, including the use of basic equipment such as the vault, beam and bench, as well as floor exercises.
Local coach Julie Grant, who has been working towards a higher level British Gymnastics Club Coach award, also sat her final examination. This was the culmination of several months of training, including theory work and practical experience gained from trips to the Scottish mainland. Although Mrs Grant had a confident performance during her exam, her result will not be known until her written papers are marked by British Gymnastics over the coming weeks.
As part of their exam preparations, most of the coaches also took part in a workshop for around 20 local gymnasts in the West Mainland Leisure Centre in Aith on Saturday. The coach candidates also took part in a compulsory 3-hour child protection workshop on Friday evening.
This is the second significant stage of coach development for the Club, since a first group of coaches qualified in June 2005, giving the Club a strong coaching base for the future.
Commenting on the success of the coaching weekend, Mrs Grant remarked – “Coaches are the foundation of the Club and this group of new coaches have all worked hard for their qualifications. They’ll be able to further develop the gymnasts’ skills and involve more children in the sport. It’s a very exciting time for the Club.”
The popularity of Shetland gymnastics is evident in the rapid growth of the sport over the last two years, with over 40 youngsters now regularly involved in the Club’s weekly sessions. The Club is also sponsored by Shetland Farm Dairies who have contributed towards the costs of new equipment for the Club.
Mrs Milne, the current President of Scottish Gymnastics, commented – “The development of gymnastics in Shetland over the last three years has been phenomenal. This is largely due to the hard work and enthusiasm of all the adults and children involved in the Club and Scottish Gymnastics is very pleased to continue to support them.”
The weekend’s events have been co-ordinated through a partnership between the Sport & Leisure Service of Shetland Islands Council, Shetland Gymnastics Club and Scottish Gymnastics.
Shetland Gymnastics Club expressed thanks to local transport company Northwards, who assisted with the transport of gymnastics equipment between Lerwick, Aith and Scalloway, and to Gary McCarthy who helped move the equipment.
ENDS