If you were in the Carterton area in West Oxfordshire Business Park last Sunday, you might have noticed, from early on, that the car park was filling up with gymnasts and spectators who were taking part in the Carterton Gymnastic Club’s 2nd Championship.
It was the culmination of a wonderful week, which saw the club win British Gymnastics Community Club of the Year (with +250 members), host over 270 gymnasts of all ages and abilities, alongside celebrating the second birthday of its purpose built facility, The Vault.
The competition was tailored to inspire the gymnasts to challenge themselves and help give them the courage to show how much they have achieved in their journey.
The day was divided into three sessions so that all children and adults alike could be given the time to enjoy the competition, be with their friends and take the limelight for their routines.
6-year-old Eva, who had recently moved from Cyprus to Carterton, remarked about how it was her first competition.
She said: “I was so nervous because there was one move on the beam that I wasn’t sure I could get right. And with people watching, it might be very tough. I was told that it was ok to be nervous, and if today didn’t quite go ok, then don’t worry because tomorrow, we could try again.”
Debra, CEO of Carterton Gymnastic Club CIC, said: ”Unaware of how well she was doing, Eva was nervous, but she absolutely smashed it and won her first silver medal!
“All the gymnasts did an amazing job, and I’m very, very proud of them all, and I want to say thank you to all the wonderful team of coaches, volunteers and staff who helped the competition run to time and so smoothly.”
Winning the Community Club of the Year award, the British Gymnastics Awards Judges’ commented: “[Carterton Gymnastics is] Truly inclusive of all abilities and ages, their ‘ambassador’ and ‘young coach’ programmes sound fantastic and evidence of the investment they’re putting into their workforce (volunteers) and the sport.
The club offers classes to ages 6 months up, and their current eldest member is in their 70s. It hosts the annual championship to celebrate the achievements of its members, with a particular focus on commitment, determination and teamwork.
