Splitz Gymnatsics Club from Fermanagh has been recognised as ‘Club of the Year’ following its outstanding community contribution and efforts to make gymnastics accessible to all.

With clubs, gymnasts and coaches across the UK showing dedication to deliver sport and activity opportunities amidst the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, the National Club Award is a prestigious indication of the outstanding work undertaken at Splitz Gymnastics Club.

It is part of a week-long celebration for the British Gymnastics National Awards, and following many strong nominations, Splitz Gymnastics Club has now been announced as a winner.

The club showed remarkable ingenuity to deliver sessions virtually online during the various lockdowns, creating a platform where sessions could be viewed, catering for all ages, levels and abilities.

Splitz Gymnastics has a keen focus on ensuring sport is inclusive for all, and so as part of its development, the club worked with special needs schools within the Fermanagh area to integrate gymnastics as part of their PE curriculum.

This ‘people-first’ approach was the basis for a great year at Splitz Gymnastics Club, as club volunteers also attended mental health workshops, childhood trauma courses and wellbeing webinars to make sure they were best placed to support gymnasts and in turn, the local community.

‘Continued support’

Proud to see its club recognised for all it does within the sport and its local community, the club’s Head Coach, Jennifer Hanna, said: “This has been the toughest period for gymnastics clubs and their families, but we are proud of what has been achieved through the continued support the gymnastics community have shown each other.

“Winning this award is a reflection of the resilience, determination and hard work we have all put in to continuing to share our love and passion for the sport.

“Volunteer staff worked tirelessly to develop the club, many of whom were key workers, to provide an outlet for the Splitz family to enjoy the sport they love.

“Our proudest achievement was the resilience that our gymnasts, coaches and their families showed throughout this turbulent time.

“Gymnastics is especially important for young people as it forms the building blocks for all sport. It focuses on the key fundamental movements children need to develop not just physically but mentally as well through building life skills and resilience.

“It is so diverse and with all the disciplines on offer there is always something for everyone, which is why we love the sport so much – it’s fully inclusive to all!”